Thursday, September 25, 2014

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE

Monday, September 22, continued – After walking several hours around campus, we walked the three or so blocks to the SC State House.

SC State House

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There are numerous monuments and markers on the grounds. Here are just a few:

The most well known one is the George Washington Monument. During the occupation of Columbia by Sherman’s army in 1865, soldiers brickbatted this statue and broke off the lower part of the walking cane.

George Washington

One unique feature is on the exterior of the building. There are brass stars showing the location of cannonball “hits” from when the building was stormed during General Sherman's march across the South. Bronze stars mark the six locations where the State House was hit by artillery fired on February 19, 1865, from the south side of the Congaree River

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Can you find four of the bronze stars?SC State House

African American Monument designed with twelve panels symbolizing the history and contribution of African Americans to South Carolina. We thought this was so well done.

SC State House

SC State House

We were lucky to arrive just as a small tour was beginning. As a matter of fact, we joined the one other couple (a man and wife from Russia) making it a nearly private tour.

SC State House 

SC State House

We enjoyed seeing the Senate and House of Representatives as well as the rotunda and other sections of this beautifully restored capitol.

The Senate
SC State House

The House
SC State House

SC State House

SC State House

We found these signs very interesting. Tells a lot about the history of Columbia.

Columbia street signs

Columbia street signs

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!