The plan for ratification [of the Constitution] was designed to avoid the problems which had held up adoption of the Articles of Confederation for three and a half years. The voters of each state were to call a convention for the specific purpose of ratification of the constitution of the United States of America. South Carolina assembled her delegates on May 12, 1788 at Charleston. They met in the Exchange Building.

The one hundred men present in city hall on the first day chose Thomas Bee as chairman of the delegates. The next day officers were selected and motions entertained. According to theJournals of the Convention of the State of South Carolina Which Ratified the Constitution of the United States, May 23, 1788, one committee was appointed "to enquire whether a more commodious place than the City Hall could be procured for the sitting of the Convention." On Wednesday, May 14, Doctor Ramsay reported for the committee, but no action was taken. On Thursday the consideration of a "more commodious place" was postponed. The convention continued to convene at City Hall until 23rd of May. On that day the motion to "assent to and ratify the Constitution" was voted on. The resolution carried 149 Ayes and 73 Noes. South Carolina was the eighth state to ratify the document. The rules required ratification by nine states for the Constitution to become the law of the land. One month later New Hampshire’s ratification accomplished the necessary number.

--Miller, Ruth M. and Andrus, Ann Taylor. Witness to History--Charleston’s Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Orangeburg, South Carolina: Sandlapper Publishing, Inc., 1986.