Hampton–Preston House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hampton–Preston Mansion & Gardens
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Hampton–Preston House
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, South Carolina |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1818 |
| Architect | Zachariah Philips, Robert Yates |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000172 |
| Added to NRHP | July 29, 1969 |
The Hampton–Preston House is a historic mansion in Columbia, South Carolina. It is located at 1615 Blanding Street. This grand house was once the home of the important Hampton family. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about life in the past. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 29, 1969.
Contents
The Story of the Hampton–Preston House
Early Days and Famous Owners
The Hampton–Preston House was built in 1818. It was first built for Ainsley Hall. He was a very wealthy merchant in Columbia. A few years later, a famous general bought the house. This was Wade Hampton I. He was a hero from the War of 1812. He was also a rich cotton farmer.
His son, Wade Hampton II, and grandson, Wade Hampton III, also lived there. The house later belonged to Hampton I's daughter, Caroline. She owned it with her husband, State Senator John S. Preston.
The House During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, the house played a role in history. It was used by the Union Army. Union Maj. Gen. John A. Logan made it his headquarters. This happened when the Union Army occupied Columbia.
After the war, in 1890, a school bought the mansion. It was called the South Carolina Presbyterian Institute for Young Ladies.
What the House Looks Like
The Hampton–Preston House has a beautiful style. It is called post-Colonial, Classical Revival. It has a wide porch across the front. This porch has strong Doric columns. There is also a special fan-shaped window above the entrance.
Inside, you will find a grand circular staircase. It has shiny mahogany railings. A sparkling crystal chandelier hangs in the main hall. The rooms are very large and open. One room has a beautiful white marble fireplace mantel. This mantel was made by the famous sculptor Hiram Powers.
The house once had very large gardens. They covered a whole city block. These gardens were famous all over the state. Sadly, the gardens were later removed. They eventually became a parking lot.
The House as a Museum Today
The Hampton–Preston House was carefully restored. It reopened to the public in 1970. Now, it is a museum. It shows what life was like for wealthy families. These families lived in antebellum South Carolina. "Antebellum" means "before the war." In this case, it means before the American Civil War.
The Historic Columbia Foundation operates the museum. The house is part of the Columbia Historic District II.
See also
In Spanish: Casa Hampton–Preston para niños
