Although this state house is a beautiful and well-built building, the designing and constructing of it was not a smooth process at all! Construction began in 1851, but the original architect hired to design it, P.H. Hammarskold, was dismissed for fraud and dereliction of duty, and soon after his dismissal, the structure was largely dismantled due to defective materials and workmanship. The structure was redesigned by John Niernsee, and work began on it in 1855. The Civil War impeded the progress of the construction, and when the Union Army entered Columbia on February 17, 1865 under the leadership of General William Tecumseh Sherman, work was suspended altogether. The capitol building was damaged by artillery shells and set afire by Sherman's troops.
Today, six bronze stars mark the spots hit by Sherman’s cannons. Lack of funding during the reconstruction era after The Civil War had a detrimental effect on the pace of construction; the building's main structure was finally completed in 1875. From 1888 to 1891, Frank McHenry Niernsee, the son of John Niernsee, served as architect, and much of the interior work was completed. Frank Pierce Milburn began serving as the architect in 1900, but he was replaced in 1905 by Charles Coker Wilson, who finally finished the exterior in 1907. Additional renovations were made in 1959 and 1998.The building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1976.
Monuments on the grounds include one honoring South Carolina's Confederate dead, one dedicated to the contributions and history of African-Americans, and one dedicated to South Carolina law enforcement officers that were killed while on duty. Take advantage of Choice Hotels and all they have to offer you while you are near the South Carolina State House. Hotels in the area allow you to stay conveniently close to where you want to be. When you stay at Choice Hotels, you can enjoy affordable rates, many amenities, and friendly service. Reserve your room today! We look forward to hosting you soon!