Arsenal Hill in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Finlay Park Fountain

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 16, 2026

1. The Finlay Park Fountain Marker

Inscription.
This blueprint reveals the early design process behind one of Columbia's most iconic landmarks—the Finlay Park fountain. Envisioned by renowned landscape architect Robert Marvin and constructed between 1987 and 1990, the fountain was designed to serve as the heart of an urban oasis in downtown Columbia. It was installed by Robert J. Ljungdahl of Amenities Ltd. in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Originally named Sidney Park, the site was renamed Finlay Park in 1993 to honor Kirkman Finlay III, whose vision and leadership helped make the park a reality.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1987.

Location. 34° 0.45′ N, 81° 2.512′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Arsenal Hill. It is on Laurel Street west of Governor's Hill, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 930 Laurel St, Columbia SC 29201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands.

It is

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also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in 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: Arsenal Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Palmetto Arsenal/Iron Works (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Palmetto Iron Works (about 600 feet away); The Gonzales Fountain (about 700 feet away); Lord Ashley (about 700 feet away); Sir John Colleton (about 700 feet away); Lord John Berkeley (about 700 feet away); Lord William Craven (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Additional keywords. landscape architecture

The Finlay Park Fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 16, 2026

2. The Finlay Park Fountain

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 45 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 23, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.