Olympia-Granby in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Outhouse

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2026

1. Outhouse Marker

Inscription.
Toilets were not inside the house in the first few decades of the 1900s. Families used "outhouses" in the backyard as the toilet. These small structures covered a hole in the ground and could be moved to a new location in the yard when needed. This is an original outhouse.

In the early 1920s, indoor plumbing with a kitchen spigot and flushing toilet were installed in all the mill houses, creating a healthier environment for the workers.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the If You've Got to Go... series list.

Location. 33° 58.712′ N, 81° 1.68′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Olympia-Granby. It can be reached from Olympia Avenue east of Virginia Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1170 Olympia Ave, Columbia SC 29201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands.

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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: Original Mill Village Outhouse (here, next to this marker); Vintage Tool and Toy Collection (here, next to this marker); Clothes Washing Station (here, next to this marker); Mill Village Yard (here, next to this marker); Quarry - 'Rock Hole' (a few steps from this marker); Olympia Mill School/Museum House (a few steps from this marker); Jaco's Corner (a few steps from this marker); Mill Village Design (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

The Outhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2026

2. The Outhouse

Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 25, 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 25, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.