Elmwood Park in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

State Fairgrounds

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, June 15, 2025

1. State Fairgrounds Marker

Inscription.
(side 1)
This block was part of the fairgrounds where the S.C. State Fair was held 1856-1861 and 1869-1903. The fair, sponsored by the State Agricultural Society, featured agricultural, mechanical, household, and art exhibits. During the Civil War a Confederate "camp of instruction" and hospital were here 1861-63, then a lab for making medicines and a branch of the Nitre & Mining Bureau, 1863-65. All the buildings were burned by Federal troops in February 1865. (Continued on other side) (side 2) (Continued from other side) In 1869 the State Fair was revived by the State Agricultural & Mechanical Society, which hoped to "beautify Carolina homes and enliven Carolina hearths.” The new fair added carnival attractions and rides as it grew in size and attendance over the next 34 years. The 1903 State Fair was the last here, as the site was too small and the buildings too old to accommodate it. The State Fair moved to its present location south of downtown Columbia in 1904.

Erected 2013 by Elmwood Avenue Neighborhood Association. (Marker Number 40-10.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Entertainment • Environment • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1865.

Location. 34° 0.698′ N, 81° 2.708′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Elmwood Park. It is at the intersection of Elmwood Avenue (U.S. 21) and Gadsden Street, on the right when traveling west on Elmwood Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 815 US-21, 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 North America,

the Western

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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: South Carolina Memorial Gardens (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Timothy's Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lace House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Governor's Mansion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Boylston House & Boxwood Gardens (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sir George Carteret (approx. 0.2 miles away); Duke of Albemarle (approx. 0.2 miles away); Earl of Clarendon (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Old State Fair Grounds (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location titled "Old State Fair Grounds".

State Fairgrounds Marker, Side One image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dave W, May 29, 2023

2. State Fairgrounds Marker, Side One

State Fairgrounds Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dave W, May 29, 2023

3. State Fairgrounds Marker, Side Two

Photographed by Dave W, May 29, 2023

4. State Fairgrounds Marker

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, June 15, 2025

5. State Fairgrounds Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 552 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 17, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 23, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. 5. submitted on June 17, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.