SC State House

Tour Information

February is a great month to visit the Grand House of the Palmetto State! Why? Because, during February, you can “have it your way” at the State House!

Our state senators and representatives have returned to Columbia for the beginning of a new session of the legislature. Until early June, each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will find the State House filled with the exciting sights and sounds of lawmakers doing the work of the state. If your tastes go to the hustle and bustle of state government in action, these days might well be your menu choice.

However, our menu also offers the more sedate, tranquil days of Monday, Friday, and Saturday (plus, the first Sunday of each month). With the legislature not in session on these days, you can take a leisurely walk through the quiet, lovely halls and chambers of the State House. Take your time! Move at your own pace! Enjoy!

Guided tours are available free-of-charge on Monday through Saturday with each tour preceded by a viewing of our brand-new, 16-minute DVD that will give the viewer a sense of the history, architecture, and finer details of the State House. Interested in one of these tours? Just call the Tour Desk at 803-734-2430 and make your reservation!

For more information, visit the Touring the State House website!  But, be careful! A visit there is guaranteed to whet your appetite for seeing the real thing up-close-and-personal. See you soon!

State House History

The history of South Carolina's State House is as colorful as the state itself.

Begun in 1851, the original architect was dismissed for fraud and dereliction of duty and the structure dismantled due to defective materials. Work on a new structure was begun in 1855 and suspended in 1865 as Sherman's Union Army swept through leaving its mark on Columbia and the State House. Completed in 1907, the copper-domed granite building today wears six bronze stars to mark hits from Sherman's cannons. An African American History Monument in on the grounds.

Reservations for tours of the state house can be made by calling the State House Tour Desk at 803-734-2430.