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

Site of Original President's House 1807

( University of South Carolina )

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 13, 2013

1. Site of Original President's House ♦ 1807 Marker

Inscription.
On this spot stood the original President's House completed in 1807. The house served as the residence of every University president from Johnathan Maxcy to William S. Currell. It was the site of a variety of University and national events including the 1909 visit of U.S. President William Howard Taft. In 1922, the house was converted into offices and in the 1930s became known as the Extension Building. A collapsed roof in 1937 prompted abandonment of the building. It was finally demolished in 1939 to make way for McKissick Library, now McKissick Museum built directly behind the old house. The front corners of the house are indicated with brass markers.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #27 William Howard Taft series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1807.

Location. 33° 59.916′ N, 81° 1.649′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. Marker is on Sumter Street, on the right when traveling north. Located University of South Carolina Campus in the "Horseshoe" east-side; entrance from Sumter Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia SC 29201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker. Slavery and the South Carolina College (a few steps from this marker); DeSaussure College (within shouting distance of this marker); Rutledge College (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Rutledge College (within shouting distance of this marker); Maximilian LaBorde (within shouting distance of this marker); Slave Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Gibbes Green (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); President's House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Site of Original President's House, Marker and McKissick Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 13, 2013

2. Site of Original President's House, Marker and McKissick Museum

McKissick Museum, as mentioned image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 13, 2013

3. McKissick Museum, as mentioned

The University of South Carolina’s McKissick Museum fosters awareness and appreciation of the diversity of the American South's culture and geography, attending particularly to the importance of enduring folkways and traditions. It accomplishes these aims through original research about southern life, material culture, natural science, and decorative and fine arts by holding exhibitions, issuing publications and by public programming. It collaborates with the university community and outside constituents in documenting, collecting and interpreting the region’s culture, history, and natural environment.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 449 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 20, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.