Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Worth Preserving
This historic site is named for its designer, Robert Mills, the first professionally trained architect born in the United States. Begun in 1823 and completed in 1825, the mansion is a rare example of Mills' residential work. The premature death of owner Ainsley Hall resulted in the property being used instead as a campus for educational institutions between 1831 and 1960. Today, this National Historic Landmark is owned by the City of Columbia and managed by Historic Columbia as an historic house museum and public park.
[Captions:]
Right
Threat of the mansion's destruction led to the creation of Historic Columbia Foundation in 1961. Many ideas arose about how the site could be rehabilitated as a cultural attraction. This plan, drawn by artist Gil Petroff in 1962, includes a miniature Washington Monument, highlighting Mills' role in designing the iconic national landmark.
Historic Columbia collection
Above
Former World War II military vehicles, pressed into missionary service by Columbia Bible College students, dot the north lawn of the deteriorated mansion in 1960.
Historic Columbia collection
Erected by Historic
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Landmarks • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1823.
Location. 34° 0.6′ N, 81° 1.751′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. It is on Blanding Street east of Pickens Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1616 Blanding St, 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
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2026
4. National Historic Landmark plaque on the house
has been designated a
National
Historic Landmark
This site possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America
1974
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior
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 29 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 24, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
