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: Notable Buildings. 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. Marker 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.

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); Pieces of the Past (approx. 0.2 miles away); Prosperity and Property Ownership (approx. 0.2 miles away); Setting Up Shop and Making Room for More Family (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1900 Block of Henderson Street / William J. Sumter

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Agnes Jackson's Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Food for Thought (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

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

Photographed By Mike Stroud, September 19, 2010

2. South Carolina State Hospital Marker

capable 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,390 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 17, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.