As the state’s capital, Columbia has a rich and fascinating history. If that interests you, you’re in luck because our apartments are only five miles away from the best history museums in town. Here are four local museums near our Columbia, SC apartments:

South Carolina Military Museum

Officially recognized by the U.S. Army’s Center for Military History and the National Guard Bureau, the South Carolina Military Museum has one mission: to preserve the state’s military history legacy. The museum features two exhibit galleries for visitors to explore, with artifacts such as small weapons dating back to the 1600s, military vehicles in and outside the museum, and the largest collection of cannons in the Midlands. Visit the museum’s website for an interactive online gallery tour. 

McKissick Museum

Established in 1976, the McKissick Museum is located at the University of South Carolina. The museum has a permanent collection of over 140,000 preserved artifacts, educating visitors about Southern history and culture. Best of all, admission is free to the public. 

Museum of the Reconstruction Era

This museum is the only one in the nation devoted to the post-Civil War Reconstruction era. Built in 1871, the house was once the family home of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States. The exhibits take visitors on a journey of the social, economic, and political changes that Columbia’s citizens faced at the time, and they also feature African American leaders in the community. The garden, inspired by the work of Victorian landscape architect Andrew Jackson Downing, is open to the public. 

Olympia Mill Village Museum

The Olympia Mill Village Museum preserves the heritage of the historic Olympia and Granby Mill villages. Located in the original Olympia Mill School building, the museum has three parts: the schoolhouse, the museum annex, and the outdoor exhibits. The main building provides an overview of village life in the 1900s. The annex follows the 120-year history of the school itself. Finally, the outdoor exhibits reveal information about the village’s architecture at the time. 

After learning about Columbia’s rich history, you may be ready for a bite to eat. If so, you can sample some appetizers from these local restaurants nearby. Finally, contact us today to schedule a private tour of our Hampton Courts apartments.