City’s History in Brief in Columbia, South Carolina, United States
1. Columbia State House
Built in 1855, this is the oldest state house still in use in the U.S. It survived the Civil War and now serves as a symbol of Columbia's resilience.
- Historical Significance: Oldest state house still in use
- Survival Story: Survived the Civil War
- Civic Importance: Serves as a symbol of resilience
2. South Carolina State Museum
Houses the largest and most comprehensive collection in the Southeast on art, science, history, and culture.
- Comprehensive Collection: Largest and most diverse in the Southeast
- Educational Impact: Promotes understanding of art, science, history, and culture
- Regional Significance: Serves as a cultural hub for the Southeast
3. Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
Remains of one of the oldest English settlements in South Carolina, providing insights into colonial life.
- Archaeological Significance: One of the oldest English settlements
- Colonial Life Insights: Provides insights into life during colonial times
- Historical Preservation: Protects and preserves historical remnants
4. Robert Mills House Museum & Gardens
Designed by Robert Mills, the first American-born and trained architect to design a U.S. Capitol, showcases Federal style architecture.
- Architectural Significance: First American-born architect to design a U.S. Capitol
- Historic Architecture: Showcases Federal style architecture
- Cultural Impact: Influenced architectural design in Columbia
5. University of South Carolina's Horseshoe
A unique layout featuring buildings surrounding an open oval, designed to represent the British Isles. The oldest building on campus dates back to 1805.
- Historical Architecture: Oldest building on campus dates back to 1805
- Architectural Design: Represents the British Isles with a unique layout
- Educational Landmark: Serves as a symbol of academic history and tradition
6. South Carolina State Library
Established in 1824, it is the oldest state library in the nation. The current building was designed by Charleston architect Albert Simons.
- Historical Significance: Oldest state library in the nation
- Architectural Design: Designed by Albert Simons, a renowned Charleston architect
- Resource Center: Serves as a vital resource for research and education
7. Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens
A historic plantation house built in the late 18th century showcasing Federal and Greek Revival architecture.
- Architectural Significance: Showcases Federal and Greek Revival architecture
- Historical Preservation: Preserves a plantation house from the late 18th century
- Cultural Insights: Provides insights into life on a historic plantation
8. First Baptist Church of Columbia
Built in 1854, it is one of the oldest churches still in use in Columbia. The church played a significant role during the Civil Rights Movement.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest churches still in use
- Role in History: Played a significant role during the Civil Rights Movement
- Cultural Impact: Serves as a symbol of religious history and tradition
9. Science Museum of South Carolina
Offers interactive exhibits for visitors to learn about science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
- Educational Impact: Promotes learning about STEAM subjects
- Interactive Experience: Provides interactive exhibits for visitors
- Regional Attraction: Serves as a popular tourist attraction in Columbia
10. Richland County Courthouse
Built in 1966, it is the tallest building in Columbia and a symbol of justice.
- Architectural Significance: Tallest building in Columbia
- Symbolism: Serves as a symbol of justice
- Historical Context: Constructed during a significant period in Columbia's history
11. Nickelodeon Theatre
Opened in 1946, it is the oldest operating art house cinema in the U.S., showing independent and foreign films.
- Historical Significance: Oldest operating art house cinema in the U.S.
- Cultural Experience: Provides access to independent and foreign films
- Community Gathering Place: Serves as a community gathering place for film lovers
12. Congaree National Park
Protects the largest intact tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States.
- Natural Preservation: Protects the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest
- Biodiversity: Home to a diverse array of wildlife species
- Historical Context: Offers insights into the history of logging and flooding in the area
13. Congaree Vista
A vibrant neighborhood along the Congaree River showcasing historic buildings, local businesses, and riverfront parks.
- Historical Preservation: Showcases historic buildings
- Community Atmosphere: Offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere
- Riverfront Experience: Provides beautiful views of the Congaree River
14. Main Street Columbia
A historic district featuring restored buildings from the early 20th century, now home to unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
- Historical Preservation: Showcases restored buildings from the early 20th century
- Community Atmosphere: Offers a unique shopping, dining, and cultural experience
- Cultural Insights: Provides insights into the history and culture of Columbia
15. South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum
Houses one of the most extensive collections of artifacts related to the Civil War and the American Civil War era.
- Historical Significance: One of the largest collections of Civil War-related artifacts
- Educational Impact: Promotes understanding of the American Civil War era
- Cultural Insights: Provides insights into Southern culture and the history of the Confederacy