story by Zach Hughes
Anytime I take a day trip to Columbia from Florence, it is always by habit that I enter downtown via 277. My favorite reason for taking this route is that it lands you right on Bull Street, which leads you into the middle of Downtown Columbia. The sights and sounds of Columbia have always been mesmerizing to me. Though it never quite seemed as busy as Charlotte, the buzz of Columbia was always a little bit faster than Florence. Even though I have never lived there, it has always felt like a place I could see myself living.
The first turn I make when entering Columbia it to take a right on Gervais Street on my way towards The Vista. As you drive through the bustling downtown traffic, it is hard to ignore the majestic granite building that overlooks Gervais. Surrounded by trees on both sides, it surprises you as it peaks through the trees. You get a glimpse of a broad-shouldered building lined with windows, monolithic columns, and a copper dome that pierces the sky. However, it isn’t until you get up close and personal with the building that its true beauty reveals itself to you.
If you take the time to explore the grounds that surround the capital building, you will find a variety of plant life along with multiple historic statues and markers. What I remember most about the building was how it appeared from the front. The stairs that present themselves in front of the building, edged with street lights always seemed so iconic to me. Another feature of the exterior that is hard to forget would be the stars that litter the outside walls. Each of these stars symbolizes a cannonball that hit the outside of the building as Sharman passed through the south. Interestingly enough, this all took place while the building was still under construction. There are so many stories that the exterior has to tell, but what I recommend most to tie everything together, is to take a tour of the interior of the building.
The first thing you notice as you enter the building is the roman styling within the marble floor and monolithic columns. Each pillar then leads to a pristine white arched ceiling. All of which feels like its some sort of labyrinth. At the end of the first floor, you will find two sets of iron staircases on either side of you. I remember the tour guide telling us the story of how the building burned during the burning of Columbia, and I will never forget the way I imagined the building looking from the inside. As soon as you step into the center of the second floor and look up, you can see the center of the dome that stands above the state building. Then it’s not hard for your eyes to be drawn to the immaculate trim work that lines the ceiling of the lobby.
One of the most striking features from the second floor would be the iron staircases that lead to a balcony that lines the outside of the main lobby. Edged with intricate iron and woodwork, the path overlooks the center of the building. I love how the whole room is lined with beautifully crafted wooden trim and historic paintings.
On either side of the second floor, you will make your way to either the House of Representatives or the Senate Chamber. Here you will find where all of the Legislative decisions are made in South Carolina. If you are fortunate enough to take your tour in between January and May, you will be able to see the House and the Senate convene. I have only been in the state house when the two branches of government were not in assembly. Even with an empty room, you can feel the grandeur of what takes place in these seats, each having their own ceremonies.
As your tour comes to a close, make sure to remember the history and significance of this building. It has been years since I have stepped foot inside the walls of the State Capitol Building, but I can tell you that it left a lasting impression on me. The way I describe it to you will never do justice to how exploring it yourself can compare. So take a day to go explore our state capitol and let its walls tell you a story.
Zach Hughes resides in Florence with his wife Alexis and their newborn son Christopher. Zach is a local entrepreneur and has spent most of his time working around the automotive industry. In his spare time, Zach enjoys discovering South Carolina and dabbling in journalism