This Patty Wagon (sometimes called Black Lucy) was put to heavy use after Denmark Vesey’s insurrection in July of 1822 when free blacks were banned from the streets of Charleston. Free black sailors in town while their ships were in port were transported to the Whipping House where they were forced to stay until departure. By the 1930’s, innocent blacks knew to hide, when this wagon was heard rattling down the streets, because, it is said, police would take the fi rst black person they could catch if the person they were looking for could not be found. The term Patty wagon was first used by the British who used the vehicles to transport Irish prisoners or “patties.” This information was provided to us by Alfonso owner and operator of Gullah Tours of Charleston. Take one of his tours for more info; they run: M–F at 11 and 1pm, Sa 11, 1 and 3 pm. $18 per adult, $15, $12 about 2 hours. 843-763-7551. Leaves from 43 John across from the visitor’s center.