As if Columbia doesn’t have an incredible State Capital on the inside, the grounds of the building deserve their own entry. And in fact, they even have their own guided brochure.
The grounds sit on 18 acres of perfectly manicured and maintained landscapes areas. Judging by the number of people out strolling the grounds, jogging by, power walking past, or just simply exercising with their dog, it is a favorite of Columbians to get out and enjoy. But as attractive as the grounds are to just simply stroll around and admire, with it they carry also of the history that makes Colombia what it is today. The grounds have seen its share of war as Sherman and his cannon infiltrated the walls. On these hollowed grounds were the voices of thousands who demanded their civil right be heard. Then there are of course the inaugurations of all the Governors who have taken office here.
SC is known as the Palmetto State because of the Palmetto Trees. As you might guess you can find plenty of those here along with Tea Olive, Crepe Myrtle (which are stunning in the warmer months), Dogwoods, Cedar of Lebanon, Water Oak, Willow Oak, Laurel Oak, Magnolias, and more. At the base of the steps is a statue of George Washington. The statue is made of bronze with a Missouri Red Granite Base. In the very front of the building is the Confederate Monument and Flag. The monument is to honor all the men who died during the civil war. The flag though has recently been moved to beside the monument from its place atop the dome with the US Flag. It flew there for many years. Starting in the 1990s controversy grew as many African-American groups wanted the flag removed since they believed it to be a symbol of racism. In 1999 the NAACP boycotted tourism and convention trade to Columbia to try to convince government officials that they meant business. In the end a compromise was settled upon which the flag would be removed from the dome and placed near the Confederate Monument. In a ceremony on July 1, 2000 the flag was placed near the monument where it still stands today.
There are currently 27 monuments on the grounds. You will find statues to honor war veterans including the Spanish-American War and Revolutionary War Generals. Monument to prominent citizens including Robert E. Lee, James F. Byrnes, Dr. J. Marion Sims, and others. At the back of the building there is a major statue to honor Senator Strom Thurmond who was the nation’s longest serving senator. And well I won’t even get started on what I thought of the man. On the side there is a monument to General Wade Hampton which gives you a brilliant photo of the monument which looks striking as the State House is in the background. There is a monument to honor the women of the confederacy. There are monuments to honor fallen service members and members of law enforcement.
There are also 6 bronze stars on the west and southwest walls of the State House to mark where Union cannon balls hit the house during the civil war. There is a beautiful and serene African American Monument to honor the struggle of African-Americans during slavery, the civil war, and later on the civil rights movement. At the base 4 rubbing stones can be found which are from the regions of Africa where most SC bound slaves were captured. There is a replica of the Liberty Bell. There is the gun from the Battleship Maine. There are several history markers all over the place. There is the grave of Captain Swanson Lunsford, who is the only person buried on the grounds. The Revolutionary War captain died in 1799. His family originally owned the land at the far southwest corner of the grounds.
Visitors can enjoy the beauty grounds anytime, day or night. Evening visits are especially lovely as flood lights shine on the State House and many other monuments along the ground. If you in town I can’t think of a more beautiful place to get some exercise to walk off all that wonderful southern cooking you will find in the many restaurants thought the city. Make sure to bring your camera.
Very Highly Recommended.