Blind Tiger

Description

The term "Blind Tiger” was coined in the late 1800's to describe the illicit drinking and gambling establishments opening their doors as temperance legislation swept across the country. The first "Blind Tigers” in South Carolina sprung up in the Holy City in 1893 as a defiant rebuttal to the "Dispensary” laws mandated by the infamous Governor Ben "Pitchfork” Tillman. Local lore suggests Broad Street was home to many houses of "ill repute” throughout the years. In 1992, ninety-nine years after the first "Blind Tigers” appeared, the "Blind Tiger Pub” opened in its current location, paying homage to a historic tradition.