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Ghosts and Legends of Columbia

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vampirefan
vampirefan
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5 out of 5
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Ghosts and Legands of Columbia

  • July 3, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by vampirefan from Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
Ghosts and Legands of Columbia



I love going to ghost tours and when I am visiting I always look to see if there is a ghost tour in town. I was surprised to find out that Columbia had a tour. Of course when you have a city so full of history, it makes since.

John and I arrived at the State Capitol Building about 7:50. I was really wondering if anyone else would be there. After all, this city isn’t quite as well known for its haunts as say…oh Charleston. We weren’t quite sure where we were to meet, but after about 5 minutes of roaming a couple came over and asked us if we were there for the tour. We conformed we were and they told us that the tour guide would be back in about 5 minutes and we we’re meeting on the steps. So we walked around and obliged a couple of prom kids who were out taking photos. And before long our guide shows up.

Ryan gathers up our group that includes the couple that came over and spoke with us as well as another couple, a family on their way on their new life to Jacksonville Fl., and several college students. We started off our tour on the Sherman Star side of the state capital. We made our way across the grounds hearing several stories along the way. Then we make our way to the cemetery of the beautiful Trinity Episcopal Church. We stop at several gravesites and hear about stories of the souls who still roam the grounds including two little girls who were taken away much too early. From there we move over to the campus of USC-Columbia, where Ryan is a student. We stop in front of the library near where the founder is buried and where his sprit still watches over the library that he loved so dearly. We go up past several buildings, past a party where the other spirits are flowing, and to a building that used to be used to care for wounded soldiers during the nasty Civil War, and where students still see nurses roaming the floors. We pass the Town Theater where we stop and here about a ghost who still likes to take center stage. Then we wind back up on the manicured grounds of the state capital. We hear more about ghosts still on the ground including the Wade Hampton statue and the wall dedicated to African Americans. It is said if you rub the image of Harriet Tubman, you will have good luck. And lastly as we look up at the dome of the capital which is beautifully lit up at night, we hear about a young boy who died while the dome was being built and who has been see by lots of witnesses.

One thing I found out about people who show for ghost tours is that they also seem to be fans of the it Sci-Fi channel TV show, Ghost Hunters . When one of our fellow tour buddies was wearing a TAPS T-Shirt, I mentioned how much I loved the show. Soon we were in a discussion on our favorite episodes. It turns out the family on their way to Jacksonville was stopping in Savannah the next day for a few days and had plans to go to the same places Jason and Grant went to.

The tour lasts about 90 minutes and is about a mile in total. If you do happen to be in a wheelchair or have some one who is, you should know the sidewalks are smooth and flat so it shouldn’t be a problem for most folks. I do suggest a good pair of walking shoes. Oh yes, and do bring your camera and see if anything shows up in your photos.

Hours/prices/info

The tours go Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm and you meet around the steps of the capital building.

Admission: $18 (a) $14 (c 8-14). Under 8 free.

You can pre order tickets but make sure you bring your receipt. They do also accept cash; just make sure you have the correct amount. During busy season I would suggest advanced reservations. Tips are greatly appreciated.

Website: www.americabyfoot.com. This company does run a number of tours in some wonderful and amazing historical cities. They also have tours in Charleston, Savannah, Ashville NC, Key West FL, Gatlinburg TN, Nashville TN, and San Antonio TX. If your travels take you to any of these cities, make sure you check out one of these other fascinating tours.

The tour starts and ends near Gervasi Street. This is the downtown area where you will find plenty of dining and entertainment options. Go to www.visitontheriver.com to check out the nearby dining options for energy before or afer your tour.

Ryan was a terrific guide and we had great tour companions. The tour was a fun and fascinating look at this lovely and historic city. For a fun night walking with the dead, check out what sprits still roam this hauntingly beautiful city.

From journal My Weekend with the Dead!!

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