Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Welcome to the Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2026
1. Welcome to the Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens Marker
Completed in 1818 as one of the capital city's finer private residences, this mansion and its four acres of grounds are owned today by Richland County and operated by Historic Columbia as a museum for public benefit. Re-establishing this historic site's horticultural and preservation excellence has been made possible through long-term investment by the property's chief benefactor: the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation.
We invite you to learn about this landmark property's complex history, from its earliest years as an urban estate to the present day as a destination for learning, community involvement, and recreation.
[Caption:]
Right
Through the years
Generations of Columbians and visitors to the capital city have experienced this site differently during its many phases.
Historic Columbia collection
Erected by Historic Columbia Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1818.
Location. 34° 0.618′ N, 81° 1.762′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland
this page online
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 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: Hampton-Preston House (here, next to this marker); Historic Fence and Gates Restoration (here, next to this marker); A Garden Resource for Everyone (here, next to this marker); Columbia Bible College, 1937-1960 / Westervelt Home, 1930 - 1937 (here, next to this marker); Connected by History, Divided by Color (a few steps from this marker); Former Site of Columbia Theological Seminary
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2026
3. Signage for the Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2026
4. National Register plaque on the house
of Historic Places
Hampton-Preston
House
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 55 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 24, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A link to the National Register nomination form, citing the building's historical significance. • Can you help?
