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

The South Caroliniana Library

Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 16, 2009

1. The South Caroliniana Library Marker

Inscription. This was the first separate college library building erected in the United States.The architect of the exterior is not known, but the reading room is copied from Bulfinch's Library of Congress. The central portion was completed in May 1840, the fire proof wings were added in 1927. The building served as the library of the college and university until 1940, when it became the South Caroliniana Library.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1840.

Location. 33° 59.896′ N, 81° 1.798′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. Marker can be reached from Sumter Street near College St, on the right when traveling north. Located at the entrance to USC Horseshoe on the Library wall. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia SC 29201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. University of South Carolina World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The South Caroliniana Library (a few steps from this marker); Memorial Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Elliott College (within shouting distance of this marker); Harper College (within shouting distance of this marker);

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The L. Marion Gressette Euphradian Society Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); University of South Carolina (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.C. During Reconstruction (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Regarding The South Caroliniana Library. "Caroliniana" meaning "things pertaining to Carolina."

The South Caroliniana Library was the first free-standing college library in the country, predating those of Harvard (1841), Yale (1846), and Princeton (1873).

Also see . . . University Libraries South Carolinaiana Library. (Submitted on August 26, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

The South Caroliniana Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 16, 2009

2. The South Caroliniana Library

The South Caroliniana Library Marker, seen at left of door image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 16, 2009

3. The South Caroliniana Library Marker, seen at left of door

The South Caroliniana Library reading room image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Usc

4. The South Caroliniana Library reading room

Destroyed by fire in 1851

The South Caroliniana Library South and west (front )elevations image. Click for full size.

Historic American Buildings Survey, M.B. Paine, April 1934

5. The South Caroliniana Library South and west (front )elevations

Historic American Engineering Record HABS SC,40-COLUM,2A-1

The South Caroliniana Library North elevation image. Click for full size.

Historic American Buildings Survey, M.B. Paine, April 1934

6. The South Caroliniana Library North elevation

Historic American Engineering Record HABS SC,40-COLUM,2A-2

The South Caroliniana First floor entrance hall image. Click for full size.

Historic American Buildings Survey, M.B. Paine, April 1934

7. The South Caroliniana First floor entrance hall

Historic American Engineering Record HABS SC,40-COLUM,2A-3

The South Caroliniana Library Main Reading room, looking east image. Click for full size.

Historic American Buildings Survey, M.B. Paine, April 1934

8. The South Caroliniana Library Main Reading room, looking east

Historic American Engineering Record HABS SC,40-COLUM,2A-4

The South Caroliniana Library View from north gallery image. Click for full size.

Historic American Buildings Survey, C.O. Greene, September 21, 1940

9. The South Caroliniana Library View from north gallery

Historic American Engineering Record HABS SC,40-COLUM,2A-8

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 792 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 26, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on May 10, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.