Used as headquarters for the Union Army in February of 1865 and later saved by a local nun during the Burning of Columbia, the Hampton-Preston Mansion features renowned, historic gardens with sophisticated and graceful green space – speaking to the grandeur of its past. Magnolias and live oaks tower over garden spaces, including the back lawn, side gardens, a newly restored gazebo area and a fountain garden. This venue provides a serene backdrop, ideal for creative event design.
Capacity: 400
Please Note: This is an outdoor only venue; the historic home is a museum and not available for rentals.
Click here to request more information about renting one of our properties. You can also contact our rental department at 803.252.7742 x 11 or email us at rentals@historiccolumbia.org.
This house was built in 1818 by Ainsley Hall, a wealthy Columbia merchant, and his wife Sarah. They sold the house in 1823 to Wade Hampton I, who updated the Federal-style home to Greek Revival. The house passed through the Hampton and Preston families, who were forced to sell the estate after the Civil War. The house & grounds were used as headquarters for the Union Army in February 1865. The property survived destruction thanks to Sister Bapista Lynch who implored Sherman to spare the house for use as a temporary convent. Later, the estate accommodated several institutions including the College for Women, Chicora College, Westerveldt Academy and Columbia Bible College. In 1947, the gardens were bulldozed and the four acre tract was subdivided for commercial use. Following a yearlong rehabilitation, the historic mansion reopened in 1970.
Historically Ever After
We are so excited to present Columbia Bride Guide’s first official entry in their new Styled Wedding Shoot series! This faux wedding reception was the brainchild of Nina Bashaw Photography, and with help from the Columbia Bride Guide crew, she pulled off one of the most beautifully detailed shoots we’ve...