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

Wilson House

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2010

1. Wilson House Marker

Inscription. Built by 1872, this house was the boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924), twenty-eighth President of the United States (1913-21). It was constructed by his parents, the Reverend Joseph Ruggles Wilson and Jessie Woodrow Wilson, when they lived in Columbia. The Reverend Wilson was a professor at Columbia Theological Seminary from 1870 to 1874 and was minister of Columbia's First Presbyterian Church from 1871 to 1873.

Erected 1978 by The Historic Columbia Foundation. (Marker Number 40-69.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #28 Woodrow Wilson series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 34° 0.481′ N, 81° 1.621′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. Marker is on Hampton Street, on the right when traveling west. Located between Barnwell and Henderson Streets. 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. Wilson Boyhood House (here, next to this marker); Woodrow Wilson Family Home & Gardens (a few steps from this marker); Victorian By Design (a few steps from this marker);

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A Fortunate Survivor (a few steps from this marker); Tommy Wilson's Neighborhood (within shouting distance of this marker); Pieces of the Past (within shouting distance of this marker); Divided By Design (within shouting distance of this marker); "Chesnut Cottage" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Regarding Wilson House. Built in 1872, in the then popular “Cottage Style” and bearing the theme of a modified Tuscan villa of unquestionable Andrew Jackson Downing inspiration, the Thomas Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home is one of the best examples of Italianate “Cottage Architecture” in South Carolina. Remaining virtually as built, the home where Woodrow Wilson spent part of his boyhood today provides a glimpse into the world of the 1870s which influenced the boy who became the twenty-eighth President of the United States. The home was built by the Reverend Joseph Ruggles Wilson, professor at the Columbia Theological Seminary from 1870 to 1874, minister of the First Presbyterian Church from 1871 to 1873 and father of Thomas Woodrow Wilson.

Wilson House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 21, 2010

2. Wilson House

National Register of Historic Places: Wilson, Thomas Woodrow, Boyhood Home *** (added 1972 - Building - #72001222)

The family occupied the house until 1875 when the Wilson’s moved from South Carolina. Restored by Historic Columbia Foundation, the house contains gaslights of the period, 1870s oak graining, and original iron mantels painted to resemble marble. The lawn, which is
surrounded by a picket fence, contains tea olives, magnolias and dogwoods planted by the Wilson’s. Listed in the National Register February 23, 1972. (South Carolina Department of Archives and History)

South Carolina Department of Archives and History, October 25, 2006

3. Wilson House

South Carolina Department of Archives and History, October 25, 2006

4. Wilson House

Wilson House, rear view image. Click for full size.

South Carolina Department of Archives and History, October 25, 2006

5. Wilson House, rear view

Woodrow Wilson image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Wikipedia

6. Woodrow Wilson

Wilson House Marker, looking east along Hampton Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 21, 2010

7. Wilson House Marker, looking east along Hampton Street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 907 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 27, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.