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Please note The Museum of the Reconstruction Era will be closed for house tours Wednesday, Feb. 1 - Friday, Feb. 3 due to garden renovations.

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2408 Marion Street

Former Residence of Mayor Lester Bates

Built in 1931, this residence was the home of Lester Lee Bates, Sr. from 1943 until his death in 1988. An astute insurance businessman, Bates also served Columbia as an elected official during years of considerable growth. His first office was that of city councilman from 1944 to 1952. Six years later, in 1958, Bates was elected mayor, a position he retained until 1970. Highlights of Bates’ time in office included Fort Jackson’s incorporation into the city limits; the peaceful integration of Columbia’s lunch counters during the Civil Rights movement; and the state capital twice receiving All-America City designation.

  • 2408 marion

    Former Residence of Mayor Lester Bates, 2018. Historic Columbia collection

  • Bates family

    Mayor Bates and family. Image courtesy South Carolina Political Collections, University of South Carolina, Columbia

34.0188175, -81.0383094

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Historic Columbia

© 2023 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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