Things to do - Historic Places

Big Apple

Originally built to be a synagogue and later transformed into a dance club where the Big Apple dance craze was born, this unique building's history and architecture make for an unforgettable special occasion. Today, the building retains many of its original architectural features such as the synagogue's domed ceiling and the neon moon and stars from its days as a nightclub. A massive mirror reflects the natural light that it beams in from two-story windows and the view from the balcony is splendid. Phone: 803-252-7742
Location: 1000 Hampton Street, Columbia

Bonham House

James Butler Bonham's House (c.1780) is located in Saluda and is the only existing birthplace of an Alamo hero. Directions to this house may be obtained at the Saluda County Museum located on Town Square. Open: Monday- Saturday, 10am-4pm. Phone: 864-445-8550

Booker T. Washington Complex

Opened in 1916 as the second public school for African Americans, this building was a cultural and social center. The property is now part of the University of South Carolina. Phone: 803-777-0169
Location: Blossom, Wheat and Marion on the USC Campus, Columbia

Cayce Historical Museum

The town of Cayce encompasses the site of Ft. Granby, one of the earliest inland villages and the scene of two Revolutionary battles. The museum is a replica of the old Cayce House, a trading post of the 1700's with an authentic kitchen and smokehouse. Open: Tuesday- Friday, 9am-4pm Saturday & Sunday, 2pm-5pm Phone: 803-796-9020
Location: Cayce City Hall Complex, 1800 12th Street, Cayce

First Baptist Church

(c.1859) The first Secession Convention was held here in 1860 before it was moved to Charleston. Open daily and visitors welcome for services. Phone: 803-256-4251
Location: 1306 Hampton Street, Columbia

Governor’s Mansion

(c.1855) One of three historic houses on Governor's Green. The Governor's Mansion has been the home of the state's governors since 1868. Tours by appointment only. Phone: 803-737-1710
Location: 800 block of Richland Street, Columbia

Hampton-Preston Mansion

(c.1818) This antebellum home of General Wade Hampton was occupied by Union officers in 1865. Location: 1615 Blanding Street, Columbia

Kensington Mansion

(c. 1854) This 29-room, 12,000 square foot mansion is magnificent with its skylighted dome and elaborate cornices and moldings. The home reflects the life of pre-war southern aristocracy. Not Handicapped accessible. Closed during July, January and February. Tours: Friday & Saturday, 9:30am, 11am, 1pm, & 2:30pm. Phone: 803-353-0456
Location: U.S. 601 in Eastover, Columbia

Lexington County Museum

Costumed guides lead tours of the complex which includes three 18th century cabins, two antebellum homes, an 1870 post house and the 1832 John Fox House, complete with nine rooms of authentic furnishings. Open: Tuesday- Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday, 1-4pm. Last tour begins at 3pm.

Phone: 803-359-8369
Location: 231 Fox Street at U.S. 378, Lexington

Lorick Plantation House

The historic Lorick Plantation House (1840) offers exhibits and an aquarium with various species of fish from Lake Murray. Monday- Friday, 9am-5pm Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday, 1-5pm Phone: 803-781-5940
Location: 2184 North Lake Drive, Columbia. On the north side of the Lake Murray Dam on Hwy. 6.
St. Andrews / Irmo

Mann-Simons Cottage

Celia Mann, an enslaed Charleston midwife who acquired her freedom and walked to Columbia, lived her from the 1840s until 1867. Location: 1403 Richland Street, Columbia

Modjeska Monteith Simkins House

Home of a founding member and secretary for the SC conference of NAACP chapters. The home served as a meeting place for dignitaries. Phone: 803-252-7742
Location: 2025 Marion Street, Columbia

Newberry Opera House

The beautiful Newberry Opera House (c. 1882) is located in the center of town just off Main Street and has been restored to its full splendor. Professional touring companies perform regularly. Location: Center of town just off Main Street

Robert Mills Historic House and Park

(c.1823) Designed by Robert Mills, who also designed the Washington Monument. Lavish gardens surround the home. Location: 1616 Blanding Street, Columbia

SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum

Inside the Columbia Mills Building, with the SC State Museum. Collections from the colonial period to modern times. Phone: 803-737-8095
Location: 301 Gervais Street, Columbia

SC Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame

Exhibits tell the history of law enforcement. Open: Monday- Friday, 8:30am-5pm Closed weekends and state holidays. Phone: 803-896-8199
Location: 5400 Broad River Road, Columbia

SC State Museum

There are four floors of exhibits, many of them hands-on, focusing on the arts, history and technology. The museum itself is located inside its largest artifact, the world's first totally electric textile mill which opened in 1894. Open: Tuesday- Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday, 1-5pm Phone: 803-898-4921
Location: 301 Gervais Street, Columbia

Saluda County Historical Museum and Theatre

(c. 1936) The museum, which is being restored, houses historic artifacts and genealogical information. Be sure to visit the courthouse (c. 1917) on the square and the Saluda Theatre. The theatre built in 1936 is one of the last of those standing built in the Art Deco style. Also on the square is the Saluda County Museum with information on Travis and Bonham, as well as records for tracing family ancestries. The museum gives directions to the historic Bonham House (c.1780), the only existing birthplace of an Alamo hero and to the monument marking Travis' birthplace. Open: Monday- Saturday, 10am-4pm Phone: 864-445-8550
Location: Town Square, Saluda

The State House

(c. 1855) Look for bronze stars on the building, marking hits made by General Sherman's army's cannonballs during the Civil War. The State House is the seat of SC's government, housing both the Governor's Office and the General Assembly. Monday- Friday, 9am-5pm Saturday, 10am-5pm & the 1st Sunday of the month 1-5pm. Tours available. Free. Phone: 803-734-2430
Location: Main and Gervais Streets, Columbia

Trinity Episcopal Church

(c. 1846) It is one of the 20 largest Episcopal churches in the nation and has six governors buried in its churchyard. Tours: Monday- Friday, 10am-2pm March- May & September- November Phone: 803-771-7300
Location: 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia

Woodrow Wilson Family Home

Within this Victorian home, built during one of Columbia's most tumultuous eras, a young man would come of age, forming the values he would apply in international affairs while in office as the 28th president of the United States. This historic home is currently closed for rehabilitation and is not yet open to the public. Check back with us for updates on this property. Phone: 803-252-7742
Location: 1705 Hampton Street, Columbia