Tour the South Carolina State House Grounds
The South Carolina State House grounds contain a bevy of memorial statues and monuments. You can't walk more than a few minutes on the without running into one. Probably one of the most notable is the statue of George Washington that sits directly in front of the state house (where Main Street intersects Gervais Street).
The South Carolina State House and its blue granite Corinthian pillars make a beautiful backdrop for Washington's statue, which you might note from the photo above, is missing a piece of his cane. The lower portion of the cane was lost due to damage sustained during the Civil War when Union soldiers lobbed items at the statue and left it damaged, but thankfully, not destroyed.
Depending upon the time of year, you will find the State House and its grounds buzzing with activity from those on official business and students from the nearby University of South Carolina campus. We visited in late June, which was the perfect time for us -- there were few people around, so we got to spend the entire day marveling at monuments and learning from the tour guides. Although it was hot out (95 degrees with high humidity), it was well worth the sweat!
SC Statehouse West Side
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Bronze Stars Mark Battle Scars
On the West-facing side of the state house you'll find 6 bronze stars, seemingly placed hap-hazard in various locations on the side of the state house. These stars weren't added as décor. In fact, the stars mark the location where cannonballs struck the state house when General Sherman's Union troops laid waste to the city of Columbia in 1865.
Standing in this spot, if you look behind you, you'll see the oldest monument on the South Carolina state house grounds: The Palmetto Regiment Monument. This 20 foot tall palmetto tree is made of bronze, copper, and cast iron, and is one of the United States' few monuments to the Mexican-American War.
Law Enforcement Memorial Monument
Directly down the path from the Palmetto Regiment monument is the Law Enforcement Memorial Monument (located near the intersection of Assembly Street and Senate Street) commemorating the lives of law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty in South Carolina.
The names of over 300 officers are carved in the stones surrounding a granite centerpiece that reads "Lest Ye Forget" crowned by an American Eagle. Leading up to the memorial itself is a blue line made of glass tile, which stands for "The thin blue line" said to represent the line between order and chaos, with the blue representing the uniforms worn by police officers.
Law Enforcement Memorial Monument
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Meander a bit further down the pathway and you will come to the South side of the state house (The Pendleton Street side), which is frankly just about as beautiful as the North side. The architects seemingly spared no expense in designing the state house to be admired from every angle.
General Wade Hampton III Monument
Follow the path along the South side of the state house towards the East and you'll pass the General Wade Hampton III monument as he sits astride his giant bronze horse. At 15 feet tall, it's impossible to miss. The intricacy of the statue is a testament to the craftsmanship of the early 1900s.
Hampton served as a general in the Confederate Army from 1861 to 1865 and was elected governor in 1876. He went on to serve in the US Senate from 1879 through 1891.
The base of the monument lists the notable battles Hampton fought during the Civil War.
General Wade Hampton III Monument
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African American History Monument
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African American History Monument
On the East side of the State House building, closest to the Sumter Street side, you'll find The African American History Monument. It stands as a sobering reminder of the slave trade and the struggle for civil rights in the United States.
In front of the obelisk, on the ground, there's a sculpture with carvings inside that depict human bodies packed into a slave ship.
Two benches are thoughtfully placed nearby, providing a place for visitors to sit and reflect upon the significance of what this monument stands for.
Revolutionary Generals Monument
If you head down the pathway towards Sumter Street, you'll find the Revolutionary War Generals Monument, honoring Generals Sumter, Marion, and Pickens who were leaders in The Revolutionary War.
Some well-known mascots are named after the nicknames given to these generals. Francis Marion was known as "the Swamp Fox" and the University of South Carolina's mascot gets its name from the nickname of Thomas Sumter who was known as "The Fighting Gamecock".
Just across Sumter Street, you'll find the oldest Episcopal cathedral in South Carolina, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Several governors and generals are buried in this church's cemetery, including General Wade Hampton; the same man seen immortalized in bronze, sitting upon his horse, on the grounds of the state house.
Revolutionary War Heroes Monument
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A look inside the South Carolina State House
Guided tours come highly recommended, whether it's your first time visiting or you're a repeat visitor. You're bound to learn a few things from the historians who will happily share insights about the ins and outs of the state house. Any questions you have will be freely answered, and trust me, you'll likely have a few! In case you happen to visit when tours aren't scheduled, don't worry—self-guided tours are available too.
SC Statehouse First Floor Lobby
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First Floor Lobby
You'll find the public entrance to the state house on the West side (the Sumter Street side) of the building. Just inside, beyond the metal detectors and security station, you'll likely be invited to join a tour if there is one starting soon. If you decide to do so, you'll watch a 15-minute video and head up into the main floor lobby.
The first thing you'll notice when you enter the main floor lobby is the majestic granite pillars at all intersections of the arched ceiling made entirely of painted white brick.
Located down the long corridors on either side are various legislator's offices including the governor's office.
Second Floor Lobby
Head up one of the grand staircases on either side of the lobby or take the elevator to the second floor and you'll find a statue of John C. Calhoun in the dead-center of the second-floor lobby.
Look up and you'll see what appears to be the inside of the glorious copper dome that crowns the state house.
The dome you'll see from the inside of the state house is actually a false dome inside the larger one that you see outside. It's beautifully painted and adds a great deal of interest to the upstairs lobby.
SC Statehouse Second Floor Lobby
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SC Statehouse Library
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State House Library
Directly in front of the upstairs lobby, you'll find the library (as well as the elevators).
This room is the only room in the state house that hasn't undergone a total restoration, which, if you ask me, isn't needed. The grand library is truly a leap back in time if it weren't for a couple of computers and a copy machine found here.
The fact that it remains so beautiful, even without restoration, is an amazing testament to the work of the original architect and classic Victorian design.
South Carolina Senate Chambers
Step into the senate chambers and you'll first see front and center, one the most valuable pieces of furniture in the building: The senate desk. This desk is crafted of solid British Honduras mahogany and is said to be worth over half a million US dollars.
Center, above the desk in the rostrum, is the largest portrait in the house chambers, which is of John C. Calhoun. The same man who has a statue dedicated to him in the lobby.
In the upper-left corner of the top balcony, you'll find the portrait of the late state Senator Clementa Pinckney who was killed in 2015 during the tragic shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. This portrait was added in 2016, commemorating his life and service of over 20 years to the state of South Carolina.
SC Statehouse Senate Chambers
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SC Statehouse House Chambers
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South Carolina House Chambers
On the opposite end of the lobby upstairs, step into the state house chambers and you'll note the large collection of portraits on the walls here as well.
At the rear of the room, just to the left of the rostrum, is a wall-inset case, backlit, which showcases a gleaming silver mace. This mace, crafted in London in 1756, has had a history of vanishing on two separate occasions. British sympathizers whisked it away during the American Revolution and, more recently, in 1971, it was stolen by a disgruntled former Statehouse employee. Nevertheless, it has always found its way back.
Since 1880 the mace has been utilized in a daily ceremony where the sergeant-at-arms places the mace in a special rack at the front of the speaker of the house, which signifies the house is in session. It is returned to its case at the close of the session.
The house was not in session when this photo was taken, so the mace is locked away, hopefully safely, in its encasement.
The South Carolina State House is truly a historical marvel and well worth a visit if you enjoy history, art, architecture, or all of the above. Be sure to visit the South Carolina State Parks website to get all the details needed for your visit, including hours and brochures with helpful information.
Plan Your Trip
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How much does it cost?
Tours are free of charge, however plan to pay for parking during your stay. There are parking meters, however these slots fill quickly during busy times. There are parking garages nearby, which aren't too far to walk from.
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When can you visit the State House?
Self guided tours are available Monday through Saturday, except on state holidays. Guided tours are also available throughout the day, Monday through Saturdays. For the most accurate schedule, please visit the State House website.
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What can you do at the South Carolina State House?
Tour the building and grounds (pick up a pamphlet just inside the first floor lobby for self-guided tours of both), check out the many paintings inside the State House (guided tours are great for learning more details about them), view the many monuments on the State House grounds, and take in the history of South Carolina.
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When is the Best Time to Visit?
Weekdays, when the legislature isn't in session (which is usually the middle of January through the middle of June).
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When Should I Avoid Visiting?
When the legislature is in session (Jan - June), you will not be able to tour the House chambers or the Senate chambers and we'd recommend seeing those important areas of the State House, especially on a guided tour. You will love learning about the rituals performed and about some of the many paintings you'll find hanging in both chambers.
Article Updated: October 14, 2023
Authored by Samara Hart; wife to Kyle, mom of 4, and resident of the South since 2018. Exploring the South has brought me much joy. I love learning about history, photographing places, buildings, food, and things up close. But, my favorite thing of all is sharing the adventure with you. Learn more about me or what I do for a living on LinkedIn.