Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
A Favored Fountain
Sometime before the Civil War, the Hamptons and Prestons adorned their famous garden with a delicate marble fountain. The artwork was among many pieces the family commissioned from Hiram Powersthe most important American sculptor of the 19th century. It became a favorite spot for people to gatherespecially students at the College for Women and Chicora College, who often used it as a backdrop for pictures.
[Captions:]
While the exact date of the fountain remains unknown, John and Caroline Preston became patrons of Hiram Powers in 1836. Beginning in 1865, Powers' sculpture became the subject of newspaper illustrations, drawings, postcards and countless photographs, such as this one of freshmen at the College for Women in 1901.
In its January 1910 edition, Country Life in America magazine showcased the College for Women's beautiful campus, including the Hiram Powers fountain, which graced the magazine's cover.
Erected by Historic Columbia Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1910.
Location. 34° 0.613′ N,
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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: Hiram Powers Foundation Restoration and Replication (here, next to this marker); A Modern Mission for an Old Mansion (a few steps from this marker); Hampton-Preston Welcome Garden (a few steps from this marker); Hampton-Preston Mansion, 1965 / Chicora College Students, ca. 1910
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 45 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 24, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
