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Residents and visitors alike are astonished to find Columbia’s history to be so rich and alive during our modern era. As capital to one of the thirteen establishing colonies, Columbia offers a lot for the history enthusiast to explore.
9:30 a.m.: Breakfast
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: South CarolinaStateMuseumThe past and the present come alive at the South Carolina State Museum. A gigantic prehistoric shark, full-size locomotive, a turn of the century country store and school house, these are just few of the many artifacts found at the museum. Exhibits covering the entire span of South Carolina cultural and natural history as well as highlights of the state's art, science and technology fill the museum's four exciting floors. Housed in an 1894 textile mill building, the museum is located in the heart of Columbia. Constantly changing exhibits enliven the permanent holdings so there is always sure to be something of interest for any visitor to the capital city.
12:30 p.m.: Time for Lunch!
Grab a bite to eat at the Crescent Café in the South Carolina State Museum or dine out in Columbia’s City Center region. South Columbia City Center that include as many eateries as you can think of, from fine dining to quick lunches on the go. Click here for City Center restaurant listings with reviews...
1:30 p.m.: South Carolina State House
Now that you’re ready to burn off your delicious lunch, why not stop over at the South Carolina State House. A visit to the State House will open your eyes to the abundant historical and cultural timeline of Columbia.
The South Carolina State House grounds includes the Confederate Soldier Monument and the statue of Wade Hampton who was called the “Savior or South Carolina” for leading the state out of the horrific Reconstruction decade. After General Sherman’s attack on the city, about one-third of Columbia including commercial real estate and private homes were destroyed. It was Wade Hampton, with great courage and leadership, who paved the way for Columbia’s resurrection.
Also located on the State House grounds, you will find the African-American Monument, the Robert E. Lee memorial highway, a replica of the Liberty Bell, and the Spanish-American war cannon. As you walk along the grounds and within the State House, notice the architecture. Dating as far back as the year 1851, the State House building, has been dubbed, “one of the most notable buildings in the world.
3:00 p.m.: Historic Columbia House ToursHistoric Columbia Foundation’s mission is to preserve and maintain Columbia’s history. They offer tours of historic homes to include the Mann-Simons Cottage, the Woodrow Wilson Family Home, the Robert Mills House, and Hampton Preston Mansion. Taking a tour of these homes is like stepping back in time. The collection pieces within these homes reflect the life and times of the yesteryear. Each home is rich with history and captivating stories. You can learn about Celia Mann, a slave who bought her freedom and walked from Charleston to Columbia or discover the metamorphosis of the Robert Mills house.
Tours of the four house museums managed by Historic Columbia are available to walk-in visitors.The tour hours are: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. & Sunday 1 p.m.-4 p.m.The tours begin at the top of each hour. Purchase all tickets in the Museum Shop on the grounds of the Robert Mills House, 1616 Blanding Street. The parking lot is off of Henderson Street between Taylor and Blanding Streets.
Don’t forget to stop by their gift shop for some of Columbia’s most unique gifts.
Museum Shop Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
5:30 p.m.: Explore Columbia’s CityCenter!
Dinnertime:
Being that history is on the menu, consider California Dreaming for your dining experience. Located in an historic railroad station, California Dreaming has a variety of dishes to satisfy your palette.
Time to Settle in at Chestnut Cottage Bed & BreakfastNightfall is here and it’s been a long day. After all the day’s events, it’s time to get some rest. Hopefully the history lesson has been an informative experience. By now you’ve learned a little bit of what life in Columbia was like for a free slave, the struggle of the reconstruction era, and a little about one of the first establishing colonies.
Just when you think the history lesson is over, we invite you to settle in at the Chesnut Cottage. A bed and breakfast establishment, the Chesnut Cottage was the home of Mary Boykin Chesnut, the author of the Pulitzer Prize winning book, “A Diary from Dixie.” Today it is as inviting as the days when Ms. Mary Boykin Chesnut walked the grounds herself.
We hope you’ve enjoyed your history lesson on Columbia and the state of South Carolina. Our history is unique with culture and traditions that remain present today. Columbia embraces its history through preservation and through our residents who appreciate how far we’ve come. For a history enthusiast, Columbia is a must-see and explore destination
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