Sights

Tunnelvision

Painted by artist Blue Sky on the wall of the Federal Land Bank Building, the mural portrays a highway disappearing through a tunnel and is so realistic that viewers are tempted to drive in.

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address:	Taylor & Marion St., Columbia SC 29201

South Carolina State House

The State State House is one of Columbia's and South Carolina's most historic buildings. Construction of the State House began in 1855 and withstood Sherman's march on Columbia in 1865. Today, five bronze stars mark the impact of shells from Union cannons. The building was completed in 1907 and a major restoration was completed in 1998.

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address:	Main St. at Gervais St.
tel:	(803) 734-2430

Sylvan Building

The only building in Columbia of Second Empire style, Sylvan is one of the city's architectural treasures.

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address:	1500 Main St., Columbia SC 29201

Finlay Park

930 Laurel St.

Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: 803-733-8331

This area on which this park was built has been in use since the early 1800's! Part of its ambiance of this centrally located park is a wonderful waterfall, intricate features, numerous play grounds and  frequent festivals, concerts, picnics and more.

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Riverbanks Zoo, Aquarium and Botanical Gardens

Rated one of the top 10 zoological parks in the USA, this is a top site for locals and tourists alike. Home to more than 2,000 animals located in natural habitat surroundings, this zoo is also known for its endangered species program.  Across the river from the zoo are the gardens of over 70 acres, with nature trails, formal plantings and a spectacular walled garden.

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address:	I26 and Greystone Blvd. (500 Wildlife Parkway)
tel:	(803) 779-8717

Palmetto Armory

The armory produced large supplies of arms issued to Confederate troops during the Civil War. Muskets, rifles and pistols bore the palmetto tree insignia.

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address:	1880 Lincoln St., Columbia SC 29201

USC Horseshoe

Original campus of the South Carolina College chartered in 1801. A stroll along the Horseshoe offers a delightful view of early 19th century architecture; each building is essentially restored to its earliest appearance and use.

The Big Apple

Originally built as a synagogue in 1916, the building was vacated in 1935 and eventually housed The Big Apple Night Club. It is believed that the "Big Apple" dance craze of the 1930s began here. Today, the renovated building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Governor's Green

A nine acre complex consisting of the Governor's Mansion, built in 1855; the Lace House, built in 1854; and the Caldwell-Boylston House, built in 1830. Gift shop open Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Lexington's Old Mill

One of the great "silent" historical landmarks of the Midlands. Completed in 1891, the mill produced ticking for mattresses. The mill also produced the red cotton material for the prison uniforms for the California State Prison System. Falling victim to the Great Depression, the mill closed its operations until 1934. Now this "Old Mill" landmark in Lexington is the home of The Patchwork Players, a nationally known dance theater group which performs throughout the year. The troupe has become South Carolina's only national "Tom Sawyer Days" affiliate. Located on Highway 1 in more..

Millwood Ruins

Graceful columns are all that remain of Millwood, the ante-bellum home of South Carolina governor and Confederate General Wade Hampton III. Millwood consisted of 13,000 acres, private race tracks and a large house before being destroyed by fire during Sherman's raid on Columbia in 1865. Tours at 2 p.m. the last Sunday of the month, March-October. Call for reservations.

South Carolina's Governor's Mansion

Built in 1855 as a residence for the officers of the Arsenal Military Academy, the Governor's Mansion has served as home of the governor since 1868. Also located on the grounds are the Lace House, ca. 1855, and Caldwell-Boylston House, ca. 1830. Tours by appointment.

Taylor Burial Ground

Buried here are members of Columbia's first family, Thomas Taylor, his descendants and slaves. Taylor provided the land for Columbia in 1786 from his sprawling plantation,  The Taylor family deeded the land to the Taylor Evangelical Methodist Church to build a church with the stipulation the land continues to be protected and the church continues to exist.

Trinity Cathedral

1100 Sumter St. Columbia, SC 29201  Phone: 803-771-7300

This cathedral was built in 1846 and is a replica of York Minster Cathedral in England. Six of South Carolina's governors are buried in the church graveyard. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.