Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Original Site of Columbia College
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2010
1. Original Site of Columbia College Marker
This land was purchased in 1854 by the South Carolina Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church as the site of Columbia Female College, Chartered by S. C. General Assembly Dec. 21, 1854. Classes were held from 1859 to 1865. The college survived the burning of Columbia and was reopened in 1873. In 1905, the school was moved to its present site as the Columbia College.
Erected 1979 by Columbia College Alumnae Association, replacing a marker erected by the same association in 1969. (Marker Number 40-52.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Places. A significant historical date for this entry is December 21, 1810.
Location. 34° 0.445′ N, 81° 1.701′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. It is on Hampton Street, on the right when traveling east. Located between Pickens and Henderson Streets. 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: Columbia Bible College (a few steps from this marker); A Fortunate Survivor (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tommy Wilson's Neighborhood (about 400 feet away); Wilson House (about 500 feet
this page online
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Lucile Ellerbe Godbold Marker
Also see . . . Columbia College (South Carolina). Wikipedia entry (Submitted on October 30, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional commentary.
1. Ludy Bowl
The Ludy Bowl, a football game pitting the seniors and freshmen against the juniors and sophomores, is the much anticipated highlight of Columbia College's Homecoming Weekend. The first Ludy Bowl was held in 1955 to honor Miss Lucille Godbold, a gold medalist in the 1922 Olympics, and a much-loved professor and supporter of Columbia College. See Lucile Ellerbe Godbold marker.
— Submitted March 23, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 21, 2010
2. Original Site of Columbia College Marker
as seen in front of the University of South Carolina Press building on Hampton Street
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 21, 2010
3. Original Site of Columbia College Marker seen near Pickens Street
via Historic Columbia collection, 1885
4. Columbia Female College, shown here in 1885
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,438 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 18, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on October 30, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
