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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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Site of Original President's House

University of South Carolina Horseshoe

Located at the head of the Horseshoe, the first President's House was designed by Yates and Phillips and built in 1807. From 1807 until 1922, every one of the college, and later university, presidents resided in this two-and-one-half story, stuccoed masonry building. After 1922, this building was placed to new uses, containing several different campus administrative offices including the graduate and alumni offices and the registrar's office. By the 1930s, the building was deemed unsafe and remained vacant. With plans underway for the new university library building (McKissick Museum) to be erected directly behind the early-twentieth century residence, the President's House was demolished in 1939. 

  • Exterior of the former President's House during a visit from President Taft

    Courtesy of

  • Exterior of the former President's House in the 1920s

33.9981588, -81.0288828

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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