Historic Markers

Throughout Columbia's downtown stand reminders of our city's remarkable past. Cast in aluminum and placed conspicuously near sidewalks for passersby to read are historic markers commemorating important people, sites, and events. Approximately 111 markers convey interesting facts that offer readers insight into the last three centuries. Many of these signposts to our forebears and the Columbia they knew are nearly seventy years old; others are newer. In numerous cases, time has not been kind to them and they have fallen into disrepair. Some have been damaged, others defaced, and scores are illegible due to peeling and faded paint.

Commemorating the 150th anniversary of Columbia's founding served as the catalyst behind erecting the majority of the city's earliest markers. Instituting a local marker program, based on a state-wide model established in the 1930s, was one of three projects undertaken by the Columbia Sesquicentennial Commission with proceeds generated from the various celebratory functions it sponsored in 1936. As with the markers, Columbians still benefit from the other two projects, which included the creation of Sesquicentennial State Park and an arboretum for the University of South Carolina at the corner of Pickens and Blanding streets. A guidebook featuring marker inscriptions, a denser commentary on city history, and suggested tours of Columbia was published in 1938, the same year that the sesquicentennial-era plaques were installed. Given the city's growth since then, the timeframe for the guide's "Seventeen Miles of Columbia in an Hour: A Scenic and Historic Route," might be a challenge to contemporary participants. Nonetheless, the tour's content still provides citizens and visitors alike with an enjoyable an informative drive.

Since the Sesquicentennial Commission's efforts further markers have been erected, accounting for the three different styles of plaques seen today. The oldest type typically is finished in dull gray, devoid of paint. Occasionally, it appears in silver with black letters. Signs cast between 1954 and 1990 feature a dark blue background with silver raised letters while, the latest markers, cast since 1990, are painted silver with black lettering.

Interested in the Historic Marker Program? For more information visit the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. This user-friendly site contains in-depth coverage of the program including program history and guidelines for marker specifications, prices, placement, maintenance, and applications.