University Hill in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Cain- Matthews- Tompkins House
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2010
1. Cain- Matthews- Tompkins House Marker
This house, built ca. 1910 for Columbia businessman John Jefferson Cain (1869-1929), was designed by William Augustus Edwards (1866-1939), a prominent regional architect. Cain, who moved to Columbia in 1899, became one of the states leading contractors and built such Columbia landmarks as the Arcade (1912) and the Palmetto Building (1913). He also financed, built, and owned the Jefferson Hotel (1913).
(Reverse text)
J. Pope Matthews, president of the Palmetto National Bank, lived here from ca. 1913 to 1931, when Arthur S. Tompkins bought the house. It remained in the Tompkins family until 1974, when the University of South Carolina acquired it. The house, threatened by demolition for several years, was designated a local historic landmark in 2002. It was renovated and opened as The Inn at USC in 2005.
Erected 2006 by The Historic Columbia Foundation. (Marker Number 40-132.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. 34° 0.044′ N, 81° 1.512′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in University Hill. It is on Pendelton Street, on the right when traveling west. Located between Henderson
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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: Horry-Guignard House (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); USC Desegregation Commemorative Garden (approx. 0.2 miles away); South Carolina State Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); McCord House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gibbes Green (approx. 0.2 miles away); Henderson Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Last Home of Wade Hampton (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Original President's House 1807 (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Pickens Street (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . William A. Edwards ,Architect, University of Florida, 1905-1925. William Augustus Edwards (1866-1939), a native of Darlington, S.C., was one of the primary architects of educational buildings in the Southeastern U. S. in the early 20th century.... (Submitted on March 25, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 28, 2010
2. Cain- Matthews- Tompkins House Marker, reverse side
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 28, 2010
3. Cain- Matthews- Tompkins House
Also known as "The Inn at USC"
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 28, 2010
4. Cain- Matthews- Tompkins House and Marker, at right
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,334 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 25, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
