Often called… “The best tour guide in Charleston”

When people talk about unforgettable history tours in Charleston, one name consistently rises to the top: Cooper from Chucktown Walking Tours.

Known for his engaging storytelling, deep historical knowledge, and a sharp sense of humor, Cooper turns every tour into an immersive experience. His Charleston history tours blend education and entertainment, leaving guests inspired, smiling, and eager to return.

All our guides are chosen for their ability to make history come alive. But Cooper stands apart. An academic and a passionate historian, he spends much of his time researching, reading, and refining the city’s historical narratives to ensure his history tours are accurate, insightful, and thought-provoking. Just read his history Blog …over 500,000 people do! 

With a rare combination of expertise, passion, and charisma, Cooper has become one of Charleston’s most respected historians among his peers and a guest favorite.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, and raised in a large Air Force family, Cooper inherited a love of learning from his father, a college professor, as did most of his 6 siblings. His early career was far from Charleston’s cobblestone streets — he worked as an engineer on classified intelligence programs for the National Security Agency (NSA).

But history had a stronger pull. After moving to Charleston, Cooper turned his focus to education and historical interpretation, transforming complex stories into vivid, memorable narratives for his Charleston history tours.

Armed with three college degrees, including a Ph.D., Cooper taught at the University of South Carolina before discovering his passion for walking tours. His academic background gives his history tours remarkable context and depth — exploring Charleston’s colonial foundations, religious diversity, and pivotal social movements.

What makes Cooper unique is his ability to uncover lesser-known stories, from the multiple Emancipation Proclamations to the intricate politics and laws of early Charleston. Guests consistently remark that his history tours reveal truths and perspectives they’ve never heard anywhere else.

Cooper’s dedication has earned him remarkable recognition — he’s the only Charleston history tour guide to have received a $1,000 cash tip, not once, but three separate times. This rare achievement speaks volumes about his commitment to quality, his authentic storytelling, and the perspective-changing experiences he delivers on every tour.

Guests leave feeling both educated and entertained, often returning several times a year to explore more of Charleston’s past — because every tour is different, and every story deepens their appreciation of this historic city.

Book your Charleston History Tour with Cooper today, expand your knowledge of history, and experience the Lowcountry’s past as only he can tell it.

Read what people are saying about Cooper on Airbnb and Google!