Historic Columbia House Tours

Have you ever stopped and wondered about the people who came before us? How their everyday experiences helped to define a time period while their reactions to important events would go on to shape historical books, folktales, and American nostalgia? Like many history enthusiasts, I often envision such images, especially now that I live in South Carolina. So many important events, movements, and the development of ideas were shaped, nourished, and experienced in this state. I've LOVED getting to learn about South Carolina's, especially Columbia's history. Similar to most American cities, Columbia has a historic district where visitors can tour many homes of influential South Carolinians and Americans. A few weekends ago, Mark and I decided to take a self-guided tour of these homes, and let me tell you, my imagination was swamped with images of the past!

Our first stop was the Robert Mill's house and gardens. Robert Mills, considered to be America's first native born and trained architect, and designer of the Washington Monument, was commissioned by Ainsly and Sarah Hall in 1823. Originally intended to be their residence, the mansion actually became a seminary. Unfortunately for us, we were limited in our explorations of the grounds due to a wedding taking place there that day.

I love the idea of carriage houses! 

The next house we visited was located directly across the street from the Robert Mills' House. Known as the Hampton-Preston Mansion, the home grew to popularity due to the efforts of the mother and daughter team, Mary and Carolina, who transformed the landscape of their 8 acre property in the 1830s. Their home was known for their beautiful gardens and impressive collection of plants. Unfortunately, much of the property was destroyed in the 1940s to make way for commercial development. However, what is left, is enough to encourage visitors to imagine the beauty and luxury of a different time.

I'm not sure if this house ever had any grand parties, but all I could picture were women in beautiful hoop skirts stepping out of carriages.

 

These sturdy branches were perfect for swinging!

How fun!

Welcome to my home! 

The final house we visited was just around the corner. Under the cover of the Magnolia trees, you can find President Woodrow Wilson's childhood home! How exciting is it to think that such an influential American figure walked the same streets that I did? While Woodrow Wilson was not born in South Carolina, his family moved to Columbia so his father could be a professor at Columbia Theological Seminary and the minister of Columbia's First Presbyterian Church. Only the main house remains today, but the house is extremely important not only because it's South Carolina's only presidential site, but it provides a link back in time to the Reconstruction period. For more information about tours and the history of the home, check out Historic Columbia.

Woodrow Wilson once said "You are here to enable the world. To live more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world." I can't help but think that Wilson's words perfectly embody the role of teachers. For it is through their hard work, inspiration, and enthusiasm, that everyone has the opportunity to believe in and achieve a better future.

While there are a few more homes on the tour, these three were the only ones we visited. If you're looking for something to do, that's inexpensive, and educational, I highly recommend checking out the historic Columbia houses. If you would like a more structured tour, check out Historic Columbia.

Barns and BBQ!

Growing up in New York, going to BBQ's referred to grilling hamburgers and hot dogs while guests lounged on deck furniture and children played in the yard. When I moved to South Carolina, I quickly learned "BBQ" meant something extremely different. It did not describe an event but rather a type of food and a lifestyle surrounded by good eating. This weekend, Mark and I were invited to a party celebrating a friend and this was my first time experiencing true Southern BBQ in the most ideal setting. It was absolutely fantastic! Located on a horse boarding farm, guest were surround by horses, goats, and even chickens! There was so much to see and do. I felt like a kid!

We were instant friends!

Wouldn't he make the perfect playmate for Finn?

I think he wanted to get out and celebrate too!

The celebration itself took place within the barn where guest enjoyed a live bluegrass band who's tunes reflected the joyful occasion. Meanwhile, delicious scents of pit-cooked pig lingered in the air. My mouth-watered in anticipation for the main course to be served!

Wish I had worn my dancing boots!

The pit where the pig was cooked!

Did you know that type of BBQ sauce used in SC depends on your location? Sauce from the low country is vinegar and pepper based, while sauce in the midlands is traditionally mustard based, and sauce from the upstate is tomato based. To learn more about SC BBQ and to see a BBQ map, check out Discover SC or the South Carolina BBQ trail. My favorite is definitely the mustard based and for all my friends up North, it is nothing like the mustard you put on your hot dog! You must try it!

Doesn't this dish make your mouth-water? Take me back, I want more!

Traditional southern BBQ consist of mac n' cheese, baked beans, collards, cole slaw, and BBQ. Where in comparison, "going to a cookout" describes grilling hamburgers and hot dogs.

While the location, food, and music might have been different from where I grew up, a few things do remain the same.  Joy, love, and support, are universal and yesterday's celebration not only made me think of home but made me even more appreciative of the life i've created and the people i've surrounded myself with in South Carolina!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend full of fun and adventure! 

The Forgotten Cemetery: The Penitentiary Cemetery

One night while eating at Farmer's Shed, Mark and I noticed a framed old newspaper article hanging on the wall. Intrigued, we read it! The article described a murder that had happen on the property back in the 1930s. Four African American men, traveling though the area, were blamed for the crime, put in jail, and executed on death row. It mentioned, that out of the 4 men only 1 of the men's family claimed his body. The other 3 were buried in the prison graveyard. That got us thinking, where was this prison graveyard? A quick search on Google provided the location and off we went!

Hidden beneath tangled weeds and protected by towering trees, a heavily eroded dirt path curves away from Elmwood Cemetery, down to the prisoners' final resting place. The hum of traffic, the occasional bird cry, and the rustling of tree branches plays an eerie melody for those who lives fell victim to turbulence.

A small grouping of poorly maintained concrete and metal license plates are all that remains to mark the lives of a few inmates who died from disease, old age, or on death row while prisoners inside the South Carolina's Penitentiary. Most prisoners, however, lay in unmarked graves unknown and  unidentified by the thousands who pass by the cemetery each day on their way to work.

In use from the late 1800s-1960s, the cemetery remains in stark contrast to the wealthy graves and headstones of its' neighboring Elmwood Cemetery. As a history major in college, I can't help but think of all that could be learned from studying more about this cemetery and the South Carolina Penitentiary.

Next to this cemetery, is the remains of 692 unidentified people. According to this marker, they are "believed" to be early settlers. Their remains were moved to this location in the 1970s to allow for the widening of Route 1-126. The importance these individual have played on the development of the area has been reduced to simple brick markers.

If you're like me and interested in the historical importance of cemeteries, I highly recommend checking out the Chicora Foundation. Mark came across their work, particularly, a paper prepared by Michael Trinkley Ph.D and Debi Hacker, about The Penitentiary Cemetery, Columbia, South Carolina. It is absolutely fascinating and includes numerous pictures and maps. I credit them for providing the years the cemetery was in operation as well as the facts about the many unidentified graves in the area.

Isn't it ironic that even in death, they are forgotten, closed off from the rest of society by a fence?

First Day Adventures!

Happy New Year! Its become my tradition to start the new year with an adventure! Luckily, living in the midlands of South Carolina means I'm 2 hours away from either the mountains or the beach. This makes day trips achievable and affordable. So in honor of the New Year, Mark and I decided to head down to Charleston to explore a few favorite places as well as a new historical site.

Yesterday was cloudy and a little dreary, but it was nothing a rain jacket, some boots, and a few towels couldn't fix. Our first stop was Folly Beach. I LOVE going to Folly in the off-season because it's very peaceful and we can take the dogs to the beach anytime! Finn loves the beach! Well at least the sand, shells, rocks, and jetties! While we walked the dogs on the beach and collected shells, brave souls took part in a Polar Plunge!

Finn is hoping I don't drop him in the water!

Taking in the sights and sounds of Folly!

From Folly, we headed over to Fort Lamar Heritage Preserve located in James Island. A self-guided tour, you need to be prepared to let your imagination take over! Construction of the fort began in January 1862 as part of a strategy adopted by Robert E. Lee to defend the inland of Charleston from the Union Army. Charleston was the Confederacy's largest seaport and a major base for ships involved in the Federal blockade. As a result, it was a key target for the Union and the Confederacy had to protect it, hence the need for Fort Lamar.

Initially, Fort Lamar was called Tower Battery because of its 75 foot observation tower. It was later renamed Fort Lamar in honor of Col. Thomas G. Lamar who bravely fought against and fended off an Union army outnumbering the Confederates 3-1 (3500-1400).  This battle was known as the Battle of Secessionville. Within 3 hours, it is estimated that 683 Union soldiers and 204 Confederate soldiers became casualties that day. Interestingly, the much more famous and better known firing on Fort Sumter had 0 causalities. For more information about the battle, check out The Battle of Secessionville or Fort Lamar Heritage Preserve.

At the very bottom, it reminds visitors to "walk softly on these hollow grounds". A simple message to honor the men, who, fighting for different reasons equally important to them and their families, gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Remember how I mentioned you would need to use your imagination? Well, this is where you'll need it, and I hope I didn't misinterpret what information was shared in the pamphlet I picked up at the gate with you! 

What might look like an ordinary hill, is actually the remains of an earthwork which was used as an extra layer of defense.

Where this road is now, use to be part of the Fort and housed a 24-pound gun.

This was once the position of an 18-pound gun.

In this location was the New Magazine or Bombproof which housed artillery. 

An image of the marsh.

A few small structures are all that remains of the fort. 

Another interesting thing I learned, is prior to the start of the war, two Scottish brothers emigrated to the United States. Each would later go on to enlist in the war, one fighting for the Union and the other fighting for the Confederacy. Both brothers found themselves at the Battle of Secessionville fighting against each other. Only once the battle was over, did they find out how close they had been to each other. Both brothers would survive the war.

The final place we stopped in James Island was Melton Peter Demetre Park, more appropriately known as Sunset Park by locals for the gorgeous views of the sunset. If you are looking for someplace non-touristy, I highly recommend Sunset Park. Hidden within a neighborhood and beside a yacht club, Sunset Park offers one of the BEST views of old and new Charleston.

From this point, you can sense the greatness and overall historical importance Charleston has played in the development of the United States. On my left, you can see the Battery, Rainbow Row, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Straight ahead is the Cooper River Bridge, Castle Pinckney, and Patriots Point. To my right, you can see Fort Sumter, Fort Johnson, Fort Moultrie, and Pitt Street Bridge. For more information, check out sunset park.

We had so much fun on our first day adventures! I'd love to hear how you spent the first day of 2016!