This is a walking tour that begins at the South Carolina State House and ends at Columbia's City Hall. The buildings on Main Street all postdate 1865 and exhibit varying stylistic and design influences. During the tour, these structures will be used to demonstrate aesthetic and architectural principles, as well as to provide a context for historical developments in the city, state and nation. In addition, lesson plans relating to this tour can help students develop critical reading, writing and speaking skills.

This bus tour of 25 sites significant to Columbia's African-American community, many of which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is designed to highlight important events and little-known facts about African-American contributions made in the state's capital city from 1786 to the present.

Length of Tour 12.25 miles     Time 1 - 1.5 hours

Please note the tour can be altered by giving students the opportunity to step off the bus and take a more detailed tour of some of the highlighted sites. Sites available for tours include: Hampton-Preston Mansion, Mann-Simons Cottage, Randolph Cemetery, South Carolina State House, University of South Carolina, Allen University, and Benedict College. For more information regarding this tour option please contact Historic Columbia Foundation's Coordinator of Volunteer and Visitor Services.

This tour examines the different architectural styles that exist in Columbia. The tour brings students to the Robert Mills House, the University of South Carolina Horseshoe and Main Street including the Palmetto Building, the Arcade, and the Sylvan's Jewelers building. Students will learn about the architectural style and design, as well as the historical developments that contributed to the buildings' construction. Please note the tour involves significant walking for the Main Street and University of South Carolina portions.

Time 2.5 – 3 hours

This program will use the archaeological and anthropological resources from Historic Columbia Foundation's house museums to illustrate the basic fundamentals of archaeology and anthropology. It will also emphasize the importance of urban archaeology in an historic setting and future historical interpretations.

Time 2.5 – 3 hours

From the antebellum south through the roaring 20s, women and their roles in society changed drastically over the course of a century. This tour looks into the lives of the women who worked, played, and stayed in the Hampton-Preston Mansion and at the site.  Each room in the mansion provides insight into the history and progress of women from the time it was occupied by families through the time it housed the Chicora College for Women.

Time 60 minutes

This 60 minute guided tour features the Founder's Garden, herb gardens, and My Mother's Garden at the Robert Mills Property. Students will learn about the various plants, herbs, and trees that adorn the Robert Mills House grounds.  Depending on the season, students may learn about vegetables planted at 19th century homes, heirloom flowers and old garden roses. The Founder's Garden is designed to mimic 1820's-inspired English gardens. One of the big leaf magnolias on the property was transplanted from Alwehav Plantation, home to Sarah Hall's half-sister.

Time 45-60 minutes