I have mixed thoughts on this place. Of the mansion tours, this is perhaps the least compelling,…read moredespite its history and famous resident. A museum on Reconstruction more than about the President himself, it feels like it is lacking on both. If you have the time, this beautiful house is worth it, but you will walk away feeling like something was missing. Reconstruction was a complicated and often ugly situation for both sides, So it can be a very difficult topic. Although there are some artifacts and some good information on static displays with in the home, the tour guide did not seem to know much about either topic. It lacks virtually any furniture or belongings from Woodrow Wilson himself, and it was not very versed in terms of its artifacts from Reconstruction. When telling the story, it is often falls short. Woodrow Wilson lived in Columbia in this house during the period and it shaped his attitudes and opinions and ultimately led him to run for office. That's the primary reason Historic Columbia made the era the focus. I believe it is the only museum dedicated to Reconstruction. Wilson lived in several homes as an adult, but only two growing up. The one in Augusta is much more focused on Wilson. I find the topic and the occupant of the home very fascinating, and if you really want to visit an important American landmark, you definitely should. Keep your expectations tempered though as it may not have enough artifacts from either the president or the era for your taste. There are two tours per day for this house. Visit the Historic Columbia gift shop at the Robert Mills Home to get tickets. It is approximately two blocks away.

This fountain is a main attraction to Charleston. It was a beautiful as all the pictures and very…read morepleasant to just sit and relax in the park. There are 2 small walking paths on either side around the park. ...you are also allowed to go in the fountain. I went in the middle of winter. The water was freezing, but it was a memory!

The Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park in Charleston is a symbol of the city and beautiful place…read moreto visit. It's surrounded by trees and looks right out onto the Charleston harbor. The area around the fountain is a nice place for a stroll. Street parking can be tough, especially during peak hours.

During the town of Elloree's 1986 Centennial Celebration, Elloree dedicated a historical marker to…read morethis, the oldest remaining structure in the city limits. TEXT: "This two-story house of heart pine and wooden peg construction was built by William J. Snider, founder of the town of Elloree. This house was moved from Charleston about 1870. This house is the first and oldest residence remaining in the town. 1886 1986 INTENDANT MAYOR W.J. Snider W.B. Bookhart, Jr. WARDENS COUNCIL" J.E. Thames J.C. Ulmer, Jr. H.M. Peak A.D. Hudson, Jr. J.D. "Joe" Griffin Nancy T. Oliver A.L. Ott Lewis E. Rourk Erected on Founder's Day December 23, 1986 Elloree Centennial Year by the Town of Elloree" Some local debate remains as to whether Snider should be regarded as "founder."

After a "destination lunch" in Yemassee SC, our server asked if we were seeking history. Replying…read morethat it was an interest, they suggested going just six miles down the road. Yes! Six miles and 250 years earlier, we drove into a hauntingly beautiful open grove of ruins did we go! Park off the street easily. Off street parking with no sidewalks or crossings, then you'll walk into history. Burned once by the British in 1777, rebuilt, then burned one more, and final time by Sherman's mary in the civil war, as he rained terror on these rural folk, returning from conquering Savannah in the final years of the civil war. Some people remain behind in the graveyard, so please be respectful during your time here. It's silence and magistry will stay with you. The old water pump still delivers cold, sweet spring water, so have some before you go. Bring a cup (no waste cans!), or go old school and use your hand. The sadness comes from knowing that these bricks were made by slaves...

My wife and I visited here on an anniversary trip from a recommendation of a friend. It's about 50…read moremiles from Charleston SC but was well worth the drive. We were the only ones there. It's a historic site known as Prince William's Parish Church. Built between 1745 and 1753 in the English Georgian style with Roman Tuscan or Doric elements, it served as a chapel of ease for the parish. The church has a dramatic history, traditionally believed to have been burned twice: first by the British in 1779 during the Revolutionary War and again in 1865 by General Sherman's forces during the Civil War, leaving only its massive brick walls. However, a 1866 letter by Milton Leverett suggests the church was not burned in 1865 but instead gutted for materials to rebuild homes destroyed by Sherman's army, challenging the traditional narrative. I'd highly recommend a trip here if you are in the area and like things like this.

This is a really beautiful monument, and I'm glad that I stopped to take the time to check it out…read more I loved how the sculptures making up the monument seemingly came to life, and depicted everything from the African slave trade, all the way up to the current African-American experience in the US. In my opinion, it's important not to shy away from the ugly parts of our history as a state and a nation, and this monument does a great job of illustrating those moments with grace and class, as well as highlighting the achievements and contributions of African-Americans in the US and the state of South Carolina. If you're ever near the state capital for any reason, I'd strongly encourage you to take a few minutes to stop and check out this amazing monument.

For those of you who don't know about this monument. It's a very impotant part of African American…read morehistory because it's the first monument of it's kind on any state house grounds in the USA. It captures African American History from times of slavery. Where we were carried over on boats from different regions in Africa (Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Senegal) up until present day where it shows us making strides in various prominent industries. There is a big lack of places where you can go to absorb African American history and culture, and it's nice to see more and more places popping up in the last couple of decades that aim to change that. (The museum in Philly, the new Smithsonian in DC, etc.) It was an honor to witness this memorial and take pictures in front of it.

I've been to the SC State House several times thru out the yrs for events. It's really nice to also…read morego inside and do a tour, educational. They keep the grounds secured, and very clean. Great place to have lunch on the lawn. Outside has some historical statues as well. I attended the Peace Walk in Columbia SC at the state house. A group of 19 monks from the Huong Dao Temple walked over 2,300 miles from Ft Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. Aloka (whose name means "divine light" in Sanskrit) accompanied them every step of the way. He did have surgery for his leg during the journey. It was a beautiful day to be in SC! Thankful to witness such a great community event.

I love visiting state capitals, and South Carolina did not disappoint! They run a formal (and…read morecomplimentary) tour program, with a tour guide and a welcome video. On the day we visited, we missed the video, but were quickly welcomed to the complimentary tour. The tour guide gave a wonderful overview of the history of the State House along with South Carolina politics, and brought it to current day activities. The State House is on beautiful grounds, and it's right at the intersection where Main Street begins. After the tour, the guy gave us opportunity to take all the photos we wanted, and there's a lot to see.

The overall tract of wildlife refuge appears mostly something that you'd explore by boat, but…read moredriving down the dirt road to this little parking lot leads to an abandoned plantation surrounded by classic South Carolina swampland. Remnants of rice fields ring the mansion, leading to an interesting aesthetic experience even though I missed when the building was actually open. I can confirm that in the winter there wasn't much in the way of biting insects and the alligators I was warned of did not materialize. Probably hiding. I'm guessing in warmer weather the area has significant challenges, though you should expect this anywhere in the swampy parts of the lowcountry. As with any wildlife refuge, the priority isn't visitor experience, but for a free and interesting landscape to wander, it has some intrigue.

The drive in is pretty, as are the grounds, but holy moly the deer flies are aggressive. It was…read morealso way too hot to go on a day that the gates are closed and you have to walk in to the site. Lesson learned. I would love to return in the fall or winter. Bicycles are permitted so our teen brought his. He probably would have enjoyed it more if it weren't for the flies. We had bug spray on so not really sure how to deter them or if they're less mean in the fall/winter. I'll go back and let y'all know. Ha. They do have bathrooms on site which was nice. They were kinda stuffy in there but better than nothing.

What great reminder that everyone should pay tribute to the great men and women that have lost…read moretheir lives no matter what you believe. The memorial is located on Lincoln st. and nice benches and is easy assessable for all to sit and reflect on the what has transpired since then and now. It has been a great addition to our fine city !

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!…read more This memorial is located outside of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau. It was inspired by the events of 911 memorial and is a tribute to all SC Midlands firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and branches of the military who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 9/11/01. The memorial is constructed of two granite towers as well as two beams recovered from the World Trade Center. It is a quiet contemplative space that has four metal benches for visitors who want to stop and reflect. It's location is ideal so that visitors and residents are able to pay their respects and truly appreciate its symbolism. It was dedicated on 9/11/2011.

The historic ruins in Lowcountry South Carolina are quite fascinating. Most everything from early…read moreAmerica has been built over, or still stands, but this is a site where you can get a feel of some history but also of nature taking the site back. There is a preservation effort ongoing. The road is mostly paved (and the Yelp map marker inaccurate; I've tried to fix it), but the last turn takes one on to a dirt road where all there is to do is park at the gate. Ropes surround the ruins, but a circumnavigation still offers plenty of photo opportunities. The entire concept of a "chapel of ease" and the history of the place make for interesting reading. Curious travelers will find the Sheldon Church which is not that far away to be a more substantial visit, but these are likely among many that are worth saving and worth visiting.

Friday 03-25-2022, Tony and I stopped at PON PON Chapel of Ease Ruins near Waltersboro, SC. It is…read moreFREE to enjoy and experience. It was burnt twice. The tombstones were hard to read. Free parking!