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The subject of this article is located on these scenic highways.
During the Revolutionary War, battles were fought across South Carolina from Charleston to Camden and Kings Mountain to Ninety Six. But Columbia was left entirely out of the war. That’s because the state’s current capital city did not exist yet.
Charleston, the most prosperous city in the South and the center of trade and commerce, was the colony’s capital. When the colonial governor was driven out, and a state constitution was adopted in 1776, the capital remained in Charleston.
But after the war, old colonial resentments surfaced again. State Senator John Lewis Gervais, representing the Ninety Six district, argued it was unfair to inland residents for the state’s capital to remain in the coastal city. He introduced a bill to move the capital out of Charleston to a more centralized location for all the state’s residents.
The site for Columbia was chosen in 1786, and work quickly began on building a new city from the ground up. The first South Carolina State House was completed in 1790, and by 1805 the town was incorporated.
There are few sites connected to the Revolutionary War to explore in South Carolina’s Capital City Region. But it’s worth a weekend visit to explore the gleaming capital, visit the South Carolina State Museum, and learn about a local legend.
This post is proudly sponsored by Lake Murray Country and the South Carolina Association of Tourism Regions. Learn about sponsored posts
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Stop #1
In 1812, the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, based in Charleston, sent Reverend Fowler to Columbia to establish a mission. The diocese wanted to ensure an Episcopal presence in the state’s new capital, founded shortly after the Revolutionary War. In 1814, the cornerstone for a wooden church was laid on a lot across Sumter Street from the South Carolina State House.
The current Gothic Revival church building was designed by renowned Charleston architect Edward Brickell White. Initially designed to resemble a cruciform, only the nave and twin towers were originally built. In 1857, Bishop Gadsden consecrated the church.
The churchyard extends from the church building north to the corner of Sumter and Gervais Streets. The churchyard is the final resting place for a few notable Revolutionary War veterans, surrounded by a wrought iron fence and covered in the shade of a dozen trees.
Wade Hampton was in his twenties when the Revolutionary War began. He was commissioned as a captain in the 2nd South Carolina Regiment and later served as a lieutenant colonel. Hampton’s most famous military exploits happened during the War of 1812.
Peter Horry was a Georgetown native, mercantile shop owner, and wealthy planter. In 1775, he was commissioned as a captain in the 2nd South Carolina Regiment alongside Captain Wade Hampton. When the British captured Charleston in 1780, Horry escaped into North Carolina. He spent the last years of the Revolutionary War in command of a militia under General Francis Marion.
In 1801, the Georgetown District was divided, and Horry County was founded. The county was named in honor of Revolutionary War hero Peter Horry.
One of the most interesting gravesites, though, is Robert Stark Jr. The bronze plaque on his grave marker lists him as a private in the Revolutionary War. Stark was born in 1762, making him just 13 years old when the war started and 21 years old when it ended.
Stop #2
Charleston was the capital of the Carolina Colony since its founding in 1670 and the state capital during the Revolutionary War. But after the war, people wanted a more centralized capital easier for the backcountry settlers to reach.
In 1786, a new city was founded at Friday’s Ferry on the Congaree River. By a vote of 11 to 7, a committee chose Columbia as the name of the new capital city.
After the first two state houses, built from wood, were destroyed by fire, the state legislature opted to build a fireproof statehouse. Ironically, construction was halted during the Civil War as General Sherman burned the city around the incomplete state house. It was finally completed in 1907.
The grounds of the state house include miles of walking trails. A life-size bronze statue of George Washington stands at the steps of the north entrance facing Main Street. Adjacent to Sumter Street, the Revolutionary War Generals Monument honors Francis Marion, Thomas Sumter, and Andrew Pickens. Revolutionary War patriot Captain Lunsford is buried along Assembly Street, the only gravesite on the capitol’s grounds.
Visitors can book a guided tour of the state house’s interior or take a self-guided tour when the legislature is not in session. Inside the Senate Chamber, a tablet is dedicated to Revolutionary War heroine Emily Geiger. Several paintings depicting battles hang in the Main Lobby on the Second Floor.
Guided tours are offered year-round, but the best time to take a guided tour of the state house is when the legislature is not in session. During these times, the tour includes the Senate and House Chambers.
From the northwest corner of the State House, a life-size bronze statue of George Washington peers out across Main Street. The brick sidewalks and occasional trees among the towering buildings make it feel like a small downtown area. It’s an easy place to explore, window shop, and get something to eat.
Bourbon’s food menu features Cajun-Creole cuisine from Chef Josh Wilson. But the most interesting thing on the menu is their incredible selection of 500 bourbons from around the world. Ask the waiter or waitress for suggestions on what to try.
Cantina 76 features Mexican-inspired cuisine in a festive downtown location. The restaurant’s mostly known for its tacos that you can customize almost limitlessly. But the margarita menu, made from premium tequilas, is nearly as popular as the food.
The Columbia Museum of Art features several exhibition galleries of stunning artwork. Or, you could continue down the street to explore the outdoor clothing and gear at Mast General Store. If you visit the city on a Saturday, check out the Soda City Market – a year-round outdoor market with over 100 vendors selling locally-made produce, food, and crafts.
Stop #3
Founded in 1988, the South Carolina State Museum features three floors of art, culture, nature, science, and history throughout the state. With unique attractions like the 4D theater, planetarium, and observatory, it’s a place everyone must visit in South Carolina.
The museum’s top floor explores the state’s history. You’ll find a giant replica of Fort Sullivan – the palmetto log fort where William Moultrie successfully fended off a British attack during the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776.
A small nook features a few Revolutionary War artifacts and paintings. Ironically, there is little information about the American Revolution, considering it’s a state museum.
Stop #4
The wordy South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum could have been more appropriately named if it put “military museum” first. The tiny museum connected to the first floor of the South Carolina State Museum explores South Carolina’s rich military history.
The museum’s primary collection contains artifacts from the Civil War. But you’ll also find items and information on the Revolutionary War at the beginning of the circular loop exhibit hall. The Gist Gallery features temporary exhibits throughout the year – many of the exhibits will focus on the Revolutionary War over the next few years.
Stop #5
In 1765, Joseph Kershaw built a trading post along the Congaree River in the South Carolina backcountry. The businessman and founder of Camden had a keen eye for trade before the Revolutionary War.
After the British captured Charleston in 1780, they quickly marched into the backcountry, captured Camden, and secured a series of outposts. After seizing the trading post, the British built Fort Granby around it.
By early 1781, the tide of the war had changed in favor of the Americans. In May, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lee attacked the fort and forced the British to evacuate. The fort and trading post were destroyed after the militia plundered any supplies.
The Cayce Historical Museum is a recreation of the two-story trading post near the same spot where it was initially built. The museum’s two floors have exhibits interpreting the region’s history and include information about Fort Granby and the Revolutionary War.
Outside, a small memorial is dedicated to Emily Geiger. In June 1781, Geiger volunteered to deliver a message from General Nathanael Greene to General Thomas Sumter. She was captured by a British patrol and brought to Fort Granby. While awaiting a woman to search her body, Geiger memorized the message and ate it. After being freed for lack of evidence, Geiger found Sumter and relayed the message.
Stop #6
The Lexington County Museum is a unique complex with 30 historic structures spread across the museum’s property. All but one of the homes were gathered from the region and moved for preservation. Built in 1832, the two-story John Fox House is the only original structure on the site.
The Laurance Corley Log House, tucked away in the corner of the property near the main offices, is the oldest structure in Lexington County.
Built in 1771, it was home to Laurance Charles Corley, a prominent landowner who served 31 days in the South Carolina militia during the Revolutionary War. By the early 1800s, Corley owned over 600 acres between Twelve Mile Creek and Fourteen Mile Creek, encompassing most of present-day Lexington.
“Downtown” Lexington spans less than a quarter of a mile along Main Street. But within that short stretch are a few world-class restaurants worth lunch or dinner while visiting the area.
Alodia’s Cucina Italiana features authentic Italian cuisine from owner Adam Huneau. If the food tastes home-cooked, that’s because the recipes have been passed down through generations of Huneau’s family.
O’Hara’s Public House’s menu includes Irish classics like Guinness Stew and Shephard’s Pie. But it’s also a quaint “pub” at heart, so you’ll also find a few delicious burgers on the menu.
Keg Cowboy is the most interesting place in town. It’s one of those downhome restaurants with menus written on chalkboards and a great selection of local craft beers.
Learn about the annual celebration of the National Park System and read my travel guides to national park units across the country.
The Cambria Hotel is a gorgeous, modern, chic hotel about a block from the South Carolina State House. With an on-site restaurant and bar, it’s easy to check in early and spend the rest of your evening at the hotel. Book now with Booking.com or Expedia.com
Hampton Inn on Gervais Street has everything you need for a comfortable stay – complimentary hot breakfast, on-site parking, and an outdoor swimming pool. Book now with Booking.com or Expedia.com
Hyatt Place entices overnight guests with an indoor swimming pool and on-site bar that stays open late so you can enjoy the creature comforts after a long day exploring the region. Book now with Booking.com or Expedia.com
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