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The Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens is closed on Sunday, May 18. All other sites and tours will run as scheduled, including Free Sunday at the Museum of the Reconstruction Era.

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2500 Block of Millwood Avenue

Neighborhood Public Art and Beautification Efforts

Lower Waverly features many examples of public art and beautification efforts that each speak to various decades of the neighborhood's history in which members of the community have taken steps to enhance their surroundings. In some cases citizens have made their own improvements that have led them to be recognized through garden and landscape awards. At other times, municipal leaders have imposed beautification projects for the betterment of the entire city. Perhaps one of the most notable examples of this city-imposed work are the jelly palms that line Gervais Street, said to have been planted in preparation for President Eisenhower's visit to the capital city in 1952. Later examples of more citizen-based efforts lie in Millwood Avenue's colorful murals, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park's portrait of its namesake, as well as a handful of stone obelisks that adorn Gervais Street and Millwood Avenue. Self-expression has also come in the form of graffiti, some encouraged, others not, that adorn buildings.

  • Neighborhood Public Art and Beautification Efforts

    Neighborhood Public Art and Beautification Efforts, 2018. Historic Columbia collection

  • Neighborhood Public Art and Beautification Efforts

    Neighborhood Public Art and Beautification Efforts, 2018. Historic Columbia collection

34.005379, -81.008851

NTHP Preservation Award Winner
Historic Columbia

© 2025 Historic Columbia

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1601 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201

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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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