Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
More Rooms, More Work
Between 1848 and 1850, daily life at the estate grew busier and louder as enslaved and free laborers built a four-story addition on the rear of the mansion. More room brought more work and more people.
In 1850, 67 enslaved persons and 12 white persons lived at the property. The estate's mid-19th century antebellum designincluding its enlarged mansion, former slave dwellings and extensive gardenremained largely intact two generations later when the College for Women bought the sight.
[Caption:]
With the mansion doubled in size, more enslaved domestic workers were needed to maintain their owners' material wealth and comfort. This circa-1862 stereograph of Mary Cantey Hampton shows the number of things enslaved persons would have taken care of in each room.
Erected by Historic Columbia Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 34° 0.66′ N, 81° 1.755′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. It can be
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: Following in History's Footsteps (a few steps from this marker); New Guests in the Old Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); History Under Foot (within shouting distance of this marker); A New Garden Rooted in History (within shouting distance of this marker); Separate and Unequal (within shouting distance of this marker); Half the House It Used to Be (within shouting distance of this marker);
Additional keywords. enslaved labor
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 42 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 24, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
