Free Sundays at the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens | Presented by Richland County

The third Sunday of the month, residents of Richland and Lexington counties are invited to tour of one of Historic Columbia’s house museums for FREE thanks to Richland County, with support from HC Board Liaison, Councilwoman Gretchen Barron! This month, visit the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens.

Wealthy Columbia merchant Ainsley Hall and his wife, Sarah, had this mansion built in 1818. They lived here briefly, until 1823, when Ainsley sold it to Wade Hampton I, who was known as one of the South's richest planters. For the next 50 years, the estate grew to be Columbia's grandest residence under the Hampton and Preston families and the many men, women and children they enslaved. In the 100 years following the Civil War, the mansion and its touted gardens hosted many different owners, including colleges and a tourist home. After an extensive rehabilitation, the property opened to the public in 1970 as an historic site. The site is owned by Richland County and managed by Historic Columbia.

Semi-guided tours are offered at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. Admission is free for HC members and residents of Richland and Lexington counties. For all other visitors, admission to the Hampton-Preston Mansion or other properties is $12 for adults and $8 for youth and may be paid on site. Space is limited so guests will be registered on a first-come first-serve basis. No advance registration available.

You may also like the following events from Historic Columbia:

• Next Thursday, 12th June, 12:00 pm, Birdwatching in the Gardens in Columbia
• Next Sunday, 15th June, 01:00 pm, Free Sundays Presented by Richland County | Modjeska Monteith Simkins House in Columbia
• This month, 26th June, 06:00 pm, Renovation Rodeo | Heathwood West in West Columbia