The story of the Dutartre family begins in the late 17th century when they arrived in Charleston as French Huguenot refugees. Seeking freedom from consequence after fleeing “persecution” in France, the family settled in what was then called the "Orange Quarter," now part of Charleston’s historic French Quarter. The area, defined by streets like Orange, Legare, and Tradd, was a bustling neighborhood where French was spoken, and Huguenot traditions were maintained. Yet, it wasn’t long before the hedonistic Dutartre family found themselves at the heart of one of Charleston’s most notorious episodes.

The Rise of a Dangerous Sect

In the early 1720s, the Dutartre family, along with several other families, fell under the influence of two radical Moravian preachers, Peter Rombert and Christian George. These charismatic preachers believed in a millennialist vision—one in which the end of the world was near, and only their followers would be saved. Their teachings diverged sharply from the Calvinist traditions of their fellow Huguenots, with rumors of strange rituals, communal living, and disturbing sexual practices, some of which involving minors.

The Dutartres, particularly patriarch Peter, became devoted followers of Rombert and George. The family’s large home near present-day Orange and Legare Streets became the center of this growing cult, where fervent religious gatherings were held. However, tensions with local authorities soon escalated as the cult refused to pay taxes, perform militia duties, or abide by colonial law. This rebellion, combined with their unorthodox practices, attracted the attention and anger of Charleston's colonial government.

A Deadly Showdown

The cult's activities might have remained hidden if not for a shocking discovery. As the legend goes, in 1724, it was revealed that one of the Dutartre daughters, only 13 years old, was pregnant. Some whispered that she had been married off to one of the Moravian leaders, but darker rumors spread that the young women of the family were being used as sex slaves by the father, older brothers, and their Moravian counterparts. This horrifying discovery prompted local authorities to investigate the cult further.

Peter Simmons, a local constable, was dispatched to arrest those involved. However, what was expected to be a routine arrest quickly spiraled into violence. The Dutartres and their followers, armed and convinced of their divine mission, resisted fiercely. In the bloody standoff that ensued, Simmons was killed. This act of defiance provoked an immediate and deadly response from the Charleston militia.

The militia stormed the Dutartre compound, overwhelming the family and their followers. Peter Dutartre, his sons, and several other cult members were arrested and put on trial. Despite the horrifying nature of their crimes, the Dutartres remained completely defiant, professing that they were supernatural beings, and, if executed, they would resurrect after 3 days.

In September of that year, Peter Dutartre, Rombert, George, and a family associate, Michael Boneau, were hanged near Charleston’s public market, where City Hall now stands. Their bodies were left hanging for four days as a grim warning. The resurrection they prophesied never came.

According to lore, the youngest brother was spared, but years later was involved in a violent incident. As the story goes, another boy was taunting him about his psychotic family, and in response he beat this scoffer’s head into pulp on the very cobblestones of Chalmer’s street.

Apparently, you can take the kid out of the cult, but not the cult out of the kid.

The Haunting Legacy

Although the cult was destroyed, the terror and mystery surrounding the Dutartre family did not end with their deaths. Their former home in the French Quarter soon became the focus of extreme paranormal activity. Even today, many believe that the tortured spirits of the Dutartre men and their followers still haunt the French Quarter.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the area, but be wary—many who walk the streets near the former cult compound report a strange sense of being followed or watched by an unsettling presence.

To learn more about the eerie and tragic history of Charleston’s dark past, book a Ghost Tour at www.ghosttourcharleston.com !!!