Historic Sites in Columbia

"One of the most visited tourist attractions in the state, the South Carolina Statehouse is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture that was in style during the pre-Civil War period in the South (construction started in 1851, but wasn't completed until after the war). The highly-regarded design work of John Niernsee, the capital towers 180 feet high with a patinaed copper dome. Visitors exploring the vast capitol grounds get a sense for the complex state history here, viewing the Revolutionary War Generals Monument, American-Mexican War Monument, the African-American History Monument, the Confederate Monument, and other statuary honoring George Washington, S.C. Senators, and fallen State Law Enforcement Officers."

"Back in the center of town is another of Columbia’s standout symbols and sights – the stunning South Carolina State House. Home to the state’s seat of government, it exhibits some absolutely exquisite Classical Revival-style architecture with lush grounds lying all around it. Built in 1855, the important and impressive building showcases a fantastic facade with a distinctive copper dome resting atop of its humongous portico."

"History and architecture lovers will enjoy a visit to the South Carolina State House, a refined 19th-century building established in 1851, and a structure that took over half a century to construct. Today it houses the state government of South Carolina, and until 1971 it was home to the Supreme Court of the USA. Originally designed by architect P."

"The Woodrow Wilson Family Home is where the 28th president of the United States lived as a young boy.|© Historic Columbia Foundation. The only presidential landmark in South Carolina, the boyhood home of President Woodrow Wilson now houses the only museum in the country dedicated to the post-Civil War Reconstruction period. Wilson lived with his parents in this house as a teenager in the 1870s."

"If you’re looking for a more unique local museum, you need to check out the Woodrow Wilson Family Home Museum. The Woodrow Wilson Family Home is the United States’ 28th president’s childhood home built by Wilson’s parents. This museum features the history of the post-Civil War Reconstruction and is the nation’s only museum to dedicate to having this."

"The Woodrow Wilson Family Home is South Carolina’s only presidential site. It was the home in which Woodrow Wilson, America’s 28th president, spent much of his boyhood years. The home is a manse built in the style of an Italianate villa, standing out well from the backdrop of Columbia."

"Located just a short stroll to the northeast of the center, you can find the historic Hampton-Preston Mansion and its gorgeous gardens. A very popular place to visit, it offers up a fascinating insight into the life and times of the wealthy planters and the poor enslaved people who worked for them. Built back in 1818, the magnificent mansion is one of the finest remaining examples of antebellum architecture in town."

"The Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens were first built in the year 1818 for Ainsley Hall, a rich merchant of Columbia, and has since passed many hands. It earned its name from the Hampton family, which it served as a private residence. It is the Hamptons who changed its style, shifting to Greek Revival architecture from the original Federal style."

"The Hampton-Preston Mansion is one of Columbia's oldest and probably most beautiful historic houses. Built in 1818 for rich Columbian merchant Ainsley Hall, it changed hands and served many purposes throughout its rich history. When Wade Hampton I bought it, he changed the house’s Federal-style architecture to Greek Revival."

"Historic Columbia is a non-profit organization aiming to protect the city’s extensive cultural and social past, which it does by preserving a number of historical buildings and landmarks around the city. The Historic House Museum is one of these buildings, a site consisting of four different properties, all with fascinating and intriguing backstories. The Woodrow Wilson Family Home here, for example, was once the home of the USA’s 28th president, who lived in the mansion in 1871."

"This elegant Classical Revival townhouse Robert Mills designed in 1823 for Ainsley Hall, a wealthy Columbia merchan, and his wife Sarah, was one of the very few private homes this prominent American architect designed. He was much more famous for his public buildings such as the Washington Monument. The house originally served as a seminary and a bible college until 1961 when it was meticulously restored and opened as a historic house museum."

"The Robert Mills House and Gardens are truly amazing spots for sightseeing, especially if you see lots of fun in architecture and arts. The home building is the creation of the titular Robert Mills, and it’s a townhouse in the style of Classical Revival elegance. It was made in 1823 for a wealthy merchant of Columbia named Ainsley Hall and his wife."

"The Governor’s Mansion, situated in Colombia’s historic district, is home to the actual governors of the state of South Carolina. It’s a stately, impressive mansion set upon nine well-cared-for acres of magnificent land. Not only do all 30 of the state’s governors genuinely reside in this large and imposing manor to be near their offices, but it’s also a crucial public space to Columbia residents."

"The governors of South Carolina live in a magnificent mansion on nine acres of nicely manicured land in the historic district of Columbia. However, the mansion is not only their home (all thirty of them so far), but it is also an important public space. The rooms open to the public feature all sorts of treasures used by previous governors, which are now permanent parts of the space."

"Built in 1855, this stately, gracious mansion has served as home to the state's governor since 1868. Prior to that time, it was used as officers' quarters for the Arsenal Military Academy. The beautifully landscaped grounds are often used for receptions and special events."

"It is owned by a midwife, Celia Mann, who was the first African-American woman in Columbia to own property before the Civil War. This was the early nineteenth century and was therefore important news for all African-American people. It is a beautiful white house that has been transformed up until today, with new rooms being added."

"Tiffany’s Bakery & Eatery, strives to serve only the best quality pastries and cakes, made from scratch, with all natural ingredients. Because of their values and quality, Tiffany’s has been a Columbia tradition for over 30 years now."

"An excellent bakery case shows off a whole lot of yummy baked goods. Personal faves are the eclairs and cinnamon rolls. They also serve real food too, which is..."

"An excellent bakery case shows off a whole lot of yummy baked goods. Personal faves are the eclairs and cinnamon rolls. They also serve real food too, wh..."

"This Mexican-inspired restaurant offers the best late night tacos in town. Cantina 76 always has a monthly special worth trying and alcoholic beverages that go perfectly with your order. This spot is child friendly and offers spots around the bar where you can have a drink with a small group of people."

"This has been our go-to spot for tacos and margaritas here in Columbia. We love to come during happy hour and sit on the patio downtown when the weather is nice. I also love that they have daily taco specials where you can always try something new."

"From Coconut Cream Pie to Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake to Snickerdoodle Cake, you’ll be sorry if you don’t check it out for yourself. With a rotating selection of desserts, the only disappointing thing is that you won’t have room to try them all. We promise you’ll already be planning your next visit before you’ve even left."

"If you’re out in The Vista for dinner, swing by Kaminsky’s for a delicious dessert or drinks. They have a full bar and alcohol infused dessert drinks, but my favorite is the milkshakes or Sundays. They are perfect for splitting and enjoying one another’s company."

"Before the cafe opened, chef owner Jessica Shillato of Spotted Salamander had quite a following as a caterer for private parties and special events. Each delicious dish highlights Chef Shillato’s love for local ingredients and Southern cooking. Deviled eggs with special additions like bacon and blue cheese take the edge off of a mid-day appetite, but leave plenty of room for mains like the Spotted Salad, with sweet tea vodka barbecue chicken, bacon, cheddar, tomatoes, Adluh cornbread croutons, mixed greens, and buttermilk ranch dressing."

"I mean as if the photos don’t already make you drool… you should know that there are even more options than what they have on the menu. While this is a lunch only (11-2:30) & catering restaurant, the menu is limitless and always features something new. The Pulled Brisket Sandwich is out of this world, but you can also go lighter with the spotted salad and soup of the day."

"Loveland’s massive new café and roasting facility is now open in Irmo, offering plenty of space in which to spread out and stay a while for breakfast, lunch or a pick-me-up. For those truly on the go, their quaint drive-thru kiosk is just the place for a quick pit stop that doesn’t skimp on quality. This family of specialty coffee roasters are also big on community collaboration."