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Sunday, October 20th

1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | Hampton-Preston Mansion

Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens : 1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Hampton-Preston Mansion.

Wealthy Columbia merchant Ainsley Hall and his wife, Sarah, had this mansion built in 1818. They lived here briefly, until 1823, when Ainsley sold it to Wade Hampton I, who was known as one of the South's richest planters. For the next 50 years, the estate grew to be Columbia's grandest residence under the Hampton and Preston families and the many men, women and children they enslaved. In the 100 years following the Civil War, the mansion and its touted gardens hosted many different owners, including colleges and a tourist home. After an extensive rehabilitation, the property opened to the public in 1970 as an historic site. The site is owned by Richland County and managed by Historic Columbia. 

Tours are free for HC members and residents of Richland and Lexington counties. For all other visitors, admission to Hampton-Preston Mansion is $12 for adults and $8 for youth. Register for tours at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills. Tours will be semi-guided and offered at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. Space is limited so guests will be registered on a first-come first-serve basis.

  • Tickets

    Admission is FREE for Richland and Lexington county residents with a valid ID. For all other visitors, admission to the Hampton-Preston Mansion is $12 for adults and $8 for youth.

    Register for tours at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills. Tours will be semi-guided and offered at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00. Space is limited so guests will be registered on a first-come first-serve basis.

  • Questions?

    Contact Us

    Phone: (803) 252-1770 ext. 23
    Email: reservations@historiccolumbia.org

  • Hampton-Preston gazebo
  • Hampton-Preston Mansion
  • Hampton-Preston Mansion
  • Hampton-Preston Mansion
  • Hampton-Preston Mansion
  • Hampton-Preston Mansion
  • Hampton-Preston Mansion

Free Sundays Are Presented By

  • Richland County, SC

Upcoming Free Events

See All Events

15 Jun

Sunday, June 15th: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sunday | Modjeska Monteith Simkins House

2025 Marion St., Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month’s featured property is the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House.

Learn More

20 Jul

Hampton-Preston Mansion

Sunday, July 20th: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sunday | Hampton-Preston Mansion

1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Hampton-Preston Mansion.

Learn More

17 Aug

Mann-Simons Site

Sunday, August 17th: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sunday | Mann-Simons Site

1403 Richland St., Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month’s featured property is the Mann-Simons Site.

Learn More

11 Sep

Thursday, September 11th: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Grab your binoculars to join Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia. With the Hampton-Preston gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year...

Learn More

20 Sep

Saturday, September 20th: 11 a.m. — 6 p.m.

Jubilee: Festival of Black History and Culture

1403 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Experience the vibrant spirit of history and culture at the 47th annual Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture, presented by Absolute Total Care and hosted by Historic Columbia! Join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a spectacular day filled with music, art...

Learn More

21 Sep

Sunday, September 21st: 1 — 4 p.m.

Free Sunday | Robert Mills House

1616 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Robert Mills House.

Learn More

25 Sep

Thursday, September 25th: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Grab your binoculars to join Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia. With the Hampton-Preston gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year...

Learn More
NTHP Preservation Award Winner
Historic Columbia

© 2025 Historic Columbia

Administrative Offices
1601 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Tours
All historic house and garden tours start at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills.
1616 Blanding Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Questions? Call (803) 252-7742.

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