IV: Grounds: Monuments & Markers

The monuments and markers that adorn the State House grounds complement the dignity of the surrounding architecture and provide a vital glimpse into the history of the Palmetto State. They include the African-American History Monument, Confederate Soldier monument, the Spanish-American War memorial, the Benjamin Ryan Tillman monument, a statue of George Washington, the Robert E. Lee Memorial Highway marker, the Dr. J. Marion Sims monument, the old State House monument, the bronze stars, the Palmetto Regiment monument, the Lunsford grave site, the General Richard Richardson monument, the monument to Confederate Women, a replica of the Liberty Bell, a statue of Wade Hampton, the Revolutionary Generals monument, the James F. Byrnes Monument, the Jefferson Davis Highway boulder, a cannon from the battleship Maine, and the city of Columbia Time Capsule.

Lunsford Grave | The SC State House
Lunsford Grave | The SC State House

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The inscription reads: “Captain Swanson Lunsford, a native of Va., and for many years a resident of Columbia. Died August 7, 1799 . . . Aged about 40 years. He was a member of Lee’s Legion in the...
Old State House Monument | The SC State House
Old State House Monument | The SC State House

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The first State House built in Columbia was large for its day, but it lacked adequate facilities for the transaction of state business and affairs. Construction began in 1787, but it was still...
Palmetto Regiment Monument | The SC State House
Palmetto Regiment Monument | The SC State House

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The Palmetto Regiment Monument, or the Iron Palmetto, was erected in 1858. It is the oldest monument on the State House grounds. Designed to honor the soldiers of the Palmetto Regiment for their...
Richardson Monument | The SC State House
Richardson Monument | The SC State House

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Main Street in Columbia was originally named Richardson Street, in honor of Richard Richardson (1704–1780), brigadier general of the militia during the American Revolution. Richardson also served as a...
Wade Hampton Statue | The SC State House
Wade Hampton Statue | The SC State House

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Sculpted by Frederick W. Ruckstull, the bronze Wade Hampton statue is 15 feet tall and 17 feet long. It was. Hampton served with honor in the Civil War as commander of the Hampton Legion. Later, as...