Online Tours | Historic Columbia

African American Heritage Sites Tour

Since its creation in 1786, Columbia has featured a large African American population whose labor, skills, and vision have been integral in the city’s physical, spiritual, and social evolution. During

Arsenal Hill

Named for the military academy established here in 1842, Arsenal Hill is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as “Columbia Historic District 1.” Bounded by Elmwood Avenue, Assembly

Barhamville-Kendalltown

Established in the 1890s as the small African American suburb “Kendalltown,” this neighborhood was developed on land previously associated with Barhamville Academy, a female school in operation during

Civil War Sites

South Carolina's capital city played a central role in the American Civil War. Though the war's first shots occurred in Charleston, the foundation for the unprecedented conflict was laid in Columbia

Columbia's Jewish Heritage Sites

Since Columbia’s earliest days, Jews have played a key role in shaping South Carolina’s second capital city. Rising to prominence during the antebellum era, Jews held important leadership roles in

Cottontown

Established in the late 1890s, Cottontown is listed as the “Bellevue Historic District” in the National Register of Historic Places and is protected as an architectural conservation district by the

Forest Hills

Established in 1925 on the historic grounds of South Carolina politician Wade Hampton III’s estate, Diamond Hill, Forest Hills is listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic

Heathwood

Established in 1914 by Moses Chappell Heath, Heathwood developed under strict guidelines for both home and landscape design. Initially bounded by Garners Ferry, Heatherwood, Kawana and Albion roads

Hollywood-Rose Hill

Established in 1914 and 1924, respectively, the Rose Hill and Hollywood neighborhoods are bounded by Rosewood Drive, South Bull Street, Heyward Street and South Waccamaw Avenue. Rose Hill is known for

Lower Richland

Established as an agricultural area more than three centuries ago, Lower Richland features important sites documenting African American and American Indian experiences, including Congaree National

Lower Waverly

Established in the early twentieth century, Lower Waverly boasts diverse architectural styles and is protected as an architectural conservation district by the City of Columbia. Bounded by Gervais

Main Street

Main Street has served as Columbia’s primary business district since the capital city’s founding in 1786. Originally named in honor of Revolutionary War Brigadier General Richard Richardson, this

Melrose Heights-Oak Lawn

Established circa 1900 by members of the Powell family, the Melrose Heights-Oak Lawn neighborhood is listed as a Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places and is protected as an

Old Shandon

Established in 1893, Old Shandon is listed as a Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places and is protected as an architectural conservation district by the City of Columbia

Robert Mills Historic District

Named for the nation’s first federal architect and designer of the Robert Mills House and Gardens, the Robert Mills Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as “Columbia

State House Monuments Tour

Since Columbia’s 1786 founding, the grounds of the South Carolina State House have grown from a 4-acre site bounded by Richardson (Main), Gervais, Assembly, and Senate streets into a 22-acre complex

The Vista

Comprising more than 800 acres, the Congaree Vista is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as the “West Gervais Street Historic District” and is protected as an architectural

University Hill

Established between 1885 and 1950, the University Hill neighborhood is listed as a Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places and is protected as an architectural conservation

Waverly

Established shortly after the Civil War and incorporated into Columbia’s city limits in 1913, Waverly is listed as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places and is protected as