“A military education for young men.”
The Yorkville Enquirer reported on Feb. 13, 1879 – “Acting Gov. Simpson is making arrangements to move his family from Laurens to Columbia. He will reside in the Governor’s Mansion on Arsenal Hill, now occupied as a hotel.”
A National Register Property – City Directories and History: Militarily, educationally, and politically significant, the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion has played an integral part in the state’s history since its construction in 1855. The white stucco building with a flat roofline and low parapet was originally built as the
officer’s quarters for Arsenal Academy, one of two South Carolina military schools. The academy was forced to close because of the Civil War. The mansion was the only main building of the Arsenal Academy complex to survive when most of the city of Columbia burned down in 1865. In 1868, the spacious house was designated the executive mansion of South Carolina. Most all South Carolina governors since 1868 have resided in the mansion with the exception of two that occupied their own homes within the city of Columbia. A number of national dignitaries, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, have been guests at the mansion. The mansion’s simple architectural style possesses great integrity and the extensive gardens are fine examples of landscape architecture. Much of the landscaping improvement and the addition of the walled, brick-paved courtyard was done during the term of Governor Donald Russell (1963-65). Listed in the National Register June 5, 1970.
Furthermore: Across the street, of course, stands the building originally built in 1855 as officers’ quarters for Arsenal Academy, a state-supported military school which served until 1863 when it was forced to close because of the war, sending 52 cadets to fight for the Southern cause. Only building of the Arsenal Academy complex to survive the general burning of the city, the spacious quarters were designated to the the executive mansion of South Carolina and home of its governors. It was entered in the National Register in 1971. Completing the Governor’s Mansion complex, along with the above mentioned Boylston House, is the beautiful Caldwell House, more familiarly called the Lace House, which was built in 1854 and is listed in the National Register as a structure of state significance.)
Arsenal—Columbia—A one-year preparatory academy with military training, preparing students for The Citadel. Operated from 1820 until about 1840.
(Information from: Names in South Carolina by C.H. Neuffer, Published by the S.C. Dept. of English, USC)
Stay Connected
Explore history, houses, and stories across S.C. Your membership provides you with updates on regional topics, information on historic research, preservation, and monthly feature articles. But remember R&R wants to hear from you and assist in preserving your own family genealogy and memorabilia.
Visit the Southern Queries – Forum to receive assistance in answering questions, discuss genealogy, and enjoy exploring preservation topics with other members. Also listed are several history and genealogical researchers for hire.
User comments welcome — post at the bottom of this page.
Please enjoy this structure and all those listed in Roots and Recall. But remember each is private property. So view them from a distance or from a public area such as the sidewalk or public road.
Do you have information to share and preserve? Family, school, church, or other older photos and stories are welcome. Send them digitally through the “Share Your Story” link, so they too might be posted on Roots and Recall.
Thanks!
User comments always welcome - please post at the bottom of this page.
Share Your Comments & Feedback: