Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens

Capital City & Lake Murray Country

The Hampton-Preston Mansion was home to many people since 1818, most notably the Hampton and Preston families, and had many uses over the years, including private residence, governor’s mansion, Union Army headquarters, convent, educational institutions and commercial space. Built by Ainsley and Sarah Hall, they sold the house in 1823 to Wade Hampton I. The house passed through the Hampton and Preston families, who were forced to sell the estate after the Civil War. Mother-daughter duo Mary Cantey Hampton and Caroline Hampton Preston transformed the grounds into regionally-acclaimed antebellum gardens containing a remarkable collection of native varieties and plants from around the world. Inside, period rooms explore the history of the house and Columbia from the 1810s through the 1910s, featuring many family belongings. The award-winning exhibit Home to Many People explores the institution of urban slavery and documents the evolution of the property from 1818 to the present.

Visit the Website

Columbia

Midlands

1615 Blanding ST,
Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 252-1770

Info & Amenities

Location

I-126 to Elmwood Ave. exit. Follow Elmwood to its end point at Bull St. and turn right. At the 4th traffic light, turn left onto Blanding St. From Charlotte: take I-77 exit 18 to SC 277, which becomes Bull St. From Bull, turn left onto Blanding St

Admission

$8 for adults; $6 for seniors, college students, AAA & active military; $5 for ages 6 to 17; age 6 and younger admitted free. Group tour rates available. Tickets are sold at the museum shop at 1616 Blanding St.

Checks Accepted

Yes

Days and Hours of Operation

T-Sa 10am- 4pm (last tour 3pm).; Su 1-5 p.m. (last tour 4-m)

Days and Holidays Closed

Mondays, New Year's, July 4, Thanksgiving, & Christmas

Visa/Master Card

Yes

American Express Card

Yes

Motorcoach Parking

Yes