COLUMBIA, SC (May 24, 2012) – Do you know the history of the Arsenal Hill neighborhood in Columbia, South Carolina? Named for the military academy established here in 1842, Arsenal Hill rests within the northwest section of Columbia’s original two-mile-by-two-mile city limits. Traditionally, this 30-block area has been bounded by Upper (today Elmwood Avenue), Assembly, Taylor, and Huger streets.
On Sunday, June 10 at 2 p.m.; Historic Columbia Foundation is offering a guided walking tourhighlighting the architecture and history of this historic neighborhood. A free tour for Historic Columbia Foundation members, the cost is just $6 for non-member adults and $3 for non-member youth (17 and under). Tickets can be purchased at http://historiccolumbia.org, by calling 803.252.1770 ext. 24 or by email at reservations@historiccolumbia.org. Walk-up registrations are also accepted – the tour will meet at Palmetto Armory and Ironworks (1900 Lincoln Street).
More about Arsenal Hill:
As the highest point within the capital city’s downtown, with impressive vistas to the south and west, Arsenal Hill became a desirable residential area for white elites during the antebellum era and then for middle- and working-class African Americans during the later 19th and 20th centuries. Combined with this residential development soon after came industrial, commercial, spiritual, educational, and governmental institutions, all of which have resulted in an eclectic mix of architecture and community histories.
About this month’s Second Sunday Stroll, Robin Waites, Executive Director of Historic Columbia Foundation says “View Columbia from a different lens as you retrace our shared past on a guided walking tour of Arsenal Hill.” Members of the media are encouraged to contact Ashley Tucker at 803.252.7742 ext. 16 or atucker@historiccolumbia.org.
About Retrace: Connecting Communities Through History:
Historic Columbia Foundation invites you to retrace our shared past through its series of web tours, walking tours, mobile apps and wayside exhibits. Explore six virtual tours of Columbia’s historic neighborhoods (including Arsenal Hill) by clicking on the “Retrace” icon at http://www.historiccolumbia.org. Self-guided tour brochures are available in the Museum Shop, located at 1616 Blanding Street. Your story could be just around the corner.
About Historic Columbia Foundation:
In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition, officially incorporated as the Historic Columbia Foundation. Over the next five decades the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of seven historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history. The 50th Anniversary year of Historic Columbia Foundation (which officially began on November 13, 2011) will include a variety of community celebratory events. Visithttp://www.historiccolumbia.org for details.
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