Columbia, South Carolina, is a must for history buffs
Columbia has a rich history—and you’ll find evidence of that history everywhere you turn. As the center of state government, Columbia is central to South Carolina’s past. If you’re a history buff, a trip to Columbia won’t disappoint.
The heart of SC is home to the University of South Carolina. Columbia and its colleges have long been intertwined, and the city boasts five institutions of higher learning founded before the turn of the nineteenth century, each with a history worth exploring. The oldest, USC, was established in 1801. The center of the university, known as the Horseshoe, is a beautiful place to take a stroll or sit for a spell. Interested in a tour? The South Caroliniana Library, near the entrance of the Horseshoe, offers historic tours for those who want to learn more about how the unique space has evolved. The university is also home to The Anne Frank Center that brings to life the story of the young Jewish girl who, in the pages of her world-renowned diary, documented two years of hiding in German-occupied Amsterdam during World War II.
Historic Columbia is the ultimate authority on the city’s journey through time. Whether you want to walk or ride, you can choose from one of the many self-guided tours they offer, including garden and neighborhood options, or schedule a guided tour of historic homes. On your adventure, you’ll learn about Columbia while you see architectural styles spanning three centuries.
You’d be remiss if you didn’t carve out some time for a Columbia favorite, the South Carolina State Museum, where you can explore South Carolina’s culture, art, science, and technology. Breathe in the history of South Carolina as you tour the museum, looking at artifacts and artwork from throughout the state. In the same building, you’ll find the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum. The museum focuses on South Carolina’s military history from the Revolutionary War to the present and is the oldest history museum in the state.
Located in the heart of downtown you’ll find the South Carolina State House. Explore monuments like the South Carolina African American Monument and find the six bronze stars on the outside of the impressive building, each marking a spot that was hit by General Sherman’s cannons during the Civil War. You can also take free guided tours of the State House Monday through Friday.
If the post-Civil War era piques your interest, check out the Reconstructed Trail. This free self-guided tour features eight historic landmarks from the period and some of the key people who were influential during the time. Reconstruction spanned from 1865–1877 and marked the post-Civil War period, during which the United States grappled with the challenges of reintegrating the states that had seceded and determining the legal status of African Americans.
Plan your next adventure and learn more at ExperienceColumbiaSC.com.
