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.