Spending most of my formative young years growing up in South Carolina, I have always known South Carolinians are very proud of their state capital building. Looking in and outside of this splendid structure, you quickly realize why they are.
The State House sits at the very end of the main street that runs through Columbia. While here I had hope to pay a visit to the building during my stay in the capital. Finishing up my visit with Frank Lloyd Wright earlier than I expected, I drug myself through the cold and windy streets of Columbia back towards my van that was parked near the State House. It was nearing 3 o’clock but I knew the building didn’t close until 5, so I figured I might as well go on over and pay a visit. I walked around the beautiful grounds for a few minutes trying to locate the entrance to the place. I was glad when I saw a couple go to the top of the stairs in the front and not be able to gain entrance. With my asthma and the cold weather I didn’t have it in me to walk up these steps to check if I could get it. Finally on the left hand side of the building I noticed a very small sign stating ENTRANCE. I popped my head in the door and asked the 2 police officers if they were still open. They informed me that the guided tours were done for the day but I could grab a brochure and walk around as much as I would like.
Wow, what a treat I found inside. The first thing your eyes are drawn to down the arched hallways are the stunning floors which are made from pink Tennessee and white Georgia Marble that have lasted since 1888.
Now kinda like the history of NC, Columbia was also not the first state capital for SC. The original state capital was in one of my favorite cities on the planet, Charleston. That would have been about the mid 1700s. But it was decided the state capital should be more centrally located so all citizens would have better access, and the decision was made to move it to the more centrally located Columbia. The first state capital was erected in 1790 and was made of wood. And also like the NC State House the first one was destroyed by fire.
Work began on the new building in 1850s. But then came along that war known as the War of Northern Aggression, which put a damper on things. What with all that fighting and all those Yankees running amuck in the fare streets, it was hard to work on the building. Some work was done to the building from 1867 to the mid 1880s. The majority of the work would be done from 1885 to 1895. By 1907 all major work had been completed and it was declared finished. Yet as we all know work on any kind of building whether it is a home or business, is never completely done. Restoration work was done on the building the last time from 1995-1998. Charles C. Wilson, one of the last architects who worked on the building and hailed from Columbia, declared the building to be "one of the most notable buildings of the world". OK, not quite so sure about that when you look at all of the notable buildings in the world. But it is certainly one of the most beautiful state capital buildings you will find.
The State House is still a working government building. Upstairs there are still Senate and House Chambers as well as the Joint Legislative conference room. In addition current SC Governor, Mark Sanford, and current Lieutenant Governor, Andre Bauer (wonder if he is any kin to Jack Bauer?) have offices here. First Lady, the very lovely Jenny Sanford, has been credited for opening up the State House for use for the public and public rentals. For more information on them you can visit them on the web at www.scgovernor.com and you can see the Governors Mansion, which can be toured with advanced arrangements.
As you walk up to the second floor you can not help but to admire the handsome wrought iron staircase which incorporates the yellow jasmine, which is the state flower. Then you walk into the eye-catching Main Lobby which will just leave you in amazement. This room makes use of woods and masculine colors gets its light from the light coming in from the dome of the capital. In the middle of the room is a statue of John C Calhoun. Calhoun, who hailed from Abbeville SC, was very active in politics and served as Vice President under both John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. There are chairs and desks that invite visitors to sit and enjoy their scrumptious surroundings. There is also a second story balcony that gives you an amazing view of downtown Columbia.
There are also a number of fine-looking paintings that adorn the wall. On this level you will also find a breathtakingly exquisite mosaic which includes the Seal of SC. It dates from the 1880s and contains more than 37,000 pieces of glass. The mosaic is original to the building. Here you will find the state chambers which are generally closed to the public unless you are on a tour.
On the main level you will find public restrooms and a gift shop. The building is handicapped accessible. And as you can tell by my photographs, cameras are welcome inside. In fact one of the staff members who was inside when I arrived and handed me some materials on the building, made sure to point out several things that should be photographed, including the interior of the dome from the main lobby. Now you do have to pass through a metal detector and adults must show ID.
Hours/fees/info.
The building is open Mon-Fri. 9am to 5pm
Saturday 10am to 5pm
Sunday 1-5pm
Closed major holidays. Gift shop closes at 4 (but it was still open when I left at almost 5).
Website: columbiasouthcarolina.com/statehouse
For information on guided tours please call (803) 734-2430.
Admission: Free!
When your in town make the time to come inside this lavish and beautiful building and see exactly why South Carolinians are so proud of their State Building.
Very Highly Recommended.