The Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens is one of Columbia's oldest and probably most beautiful historic houses. Built in 1818 for rich Columbian merchant Ainsley Hall, it changed hands and served many purposes throughout its rich history. When Wade Hampton I bought it, he changed the house’s Federal-style architecture to Greek Revival. The next owner, the Preston family, sold it after the Civil War.

For various periods of time, the mansion housed four different colleges and was even divided and partitioned for commercial use. It opened in 1970 after the extensive renovation as part of the Midlands Tricentennial Exposition Center. The garden was a highly acclaimed antebellum garden in its time, with an extensive collection of native plants as well as specimens from over the world.

1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, South Carolina, Phone: 803-252-7742

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.