Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Blossom Street

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2009

1. Blossom Street Marker

Inscription. This street is thought to take its name from the cotton blossom. Cotton became an important commercial crop in South Carolina after the cotton gin was patented by Eli Whitney in 1794. A variety of cotton, known as Sea Island cotton and grown along coastal South Carolina, was especially prized for its long staple.

Erected 1978 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History, sponsored by Richland County Bicentennial Commission Sponsored By Owen Steel Co. (Marker Number 40-78.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina Historical Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1794.

Location. 33° 59.57′ N, 81° 1.776′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Blossom Street (U.S. 76), on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia SC 29201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Commissioners' Oak" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mainigault's Funeral Home / Congaree Casket Company (approx. 0.2 miles away); Blossom Street School / Celia Dial Saxon School

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Booker T. Washington High School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Richard Theodore Greener (1844-1922) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Booker T. Washington School / Booker T. Washington High (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of Parade Ground (approx. ¼ mile away); Gladden Home Site (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Also see . . . THE LEGEND OF SEA ISLAND COTTON: Why it was so great—and why it's not around anymore. (Submitted on August 19, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Blossom Street Marker, looking north at intersection image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, August 16, 2009

2. Blossom Street Marker, looking north at intersection

Blossom Street Marker, looking south along Main St. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, August 16, 2009

3. Blossom Street Marker, looking south along Main St.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,054 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 19, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.