Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

South Carolina State Hospital

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 19, 2010

1. South Carolina State Hospital Marker, and Mills Building

Inscription. Institution authorized 1821 by General Assembly, mainly through the work of two members, Samuel Farrow and William Crafts, Jr. The original building, on right, designed by Robert Mills, shows a pioneer grasp of the ideas of humanitarian treatment.

Erected 1938 by The Columbia Sesquicentennial Commission of 1936 I-2. (Marker Number 40-28.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.

Location. 34° 0.896′ N, 81° 2.037′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. It is at the intersection of Bull Street (U.S. 76) and Elmwood Avenue, in the median on Bull Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2100 Bull Street, 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 are within walking distance of this marker: South Carolina State Hospital, Mills Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Modjeska Simkins House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Getting to Know Your Neighbors (approx. 0.2 miles away); Uncovering Traces of the Past (approx. 0.2 miles away); From Historic House to Modern Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Time to Collect the Rent

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Out With the Old and In With the New (approx. 0.2 miles away); Links to the Past (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Regarding South Carolina State Hospital. (South Carolina Lunatic Asylum) Designed by native South Carolina architect Robert Mills, the ca. 1827 South Carolina State Hospital Mills Building is considered to be an example of Mills at his best, distinctive in its boldness of conception, its inventive quality, its simplicity and power. It is a structure of national importance in the architectural development of America. It is also the oldest structure in the United States continuously used as a mental hospital. Early additions to the Classical Revival style building (in 1838 and 1842) are associated with Samuel Sloan, another architect of national reputation. The fact that the talents of both men are preserved in one building is unique. Mills was a great exponent of the classic tradition, particularly the Greek Revival, while Sloan was more eclectic. Sloan exhibited his talents in the State Hospital Mills Building in such a way that the structure appears to be the work of one man. Mills’s architecture is characterized by his capable

South Carolina State Hospital Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, June 15, 2025

2. South Carolina State Hospital Marker

and unerring, but sometimes unorthodox, treatment of classic motifs. His use of the high basement and porticos, supported by arcades, his great interest in fire-resistant construction, and his frequent use of round-headed single windows and of flat-headed triple windows are exemplified in the State Hospital. The hospital was among the first authorized, and the third completed, mental hospitals in America built with public funds. The State Hospital design reflects reforms that were far ahead of its day. Fireproofing of the building was also uncommon and an area in which Mills was a leader. The State Hospital continues an existence of beauty and usefulness; an enduring monument to the dedication of the founders and to the master architect, Robert Mills. Listed in the National Register June 5, 1970; Designated a National Historic Landmark November 7, 1973.(South Carolina Department of Archives and History)

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 19, 2010

3. South Carolina State Hospital Marker

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 19, 2010

4. South Carolina State Hospital Marker

At the Bull Street and Elmwood Avenue intersection

South Carolina State Hospital , Mills Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 19, 2010

5. South Carolina State Hospital , Mills Building

National Register of Historic Places: South Carolina State Hospital, Mills Building *** (added 1970 - Building - #70000890) • Architect, builder, or engineer: Mills,Robert • Period of Significance: 1800-1824, 1825-1849

South Carolina State Hospital Northside entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 19, 2010

6. South Carolina State Hospital Northside entrance

South Carolina State Hospital Mills Building, east side entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 19, 2010

7. South Carolina State Hospital Mills Building, east side entrance

South Carolina State Hospital image. Click for full size.

Chris Ziegler; South Carolina Department of Archives and History, February 10, 2004

8. South Carolina State Hospital

South Carolina State Hospital Marker, Hidden behind sign at Bull Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 19, 2010

9. South Carolina State Hospital Marker, Hidden behind sign at Bull Street

Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,885 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 17, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on June 18, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on October 17, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.