African American Heritage
South Carolina has a rich and diverse African-American history.
The struggles and accomplishments of African-Americans have played a major role in shaping this region. Historical sites to visit:
Barber House
Located in Hopkins, SC, east of route 37. Samuel Barber and his wife, former slaves, purchased 42.2 acres of land in 1880. The property remains in the family.
B.F. Randolph Monument
Located off Elmwood Avenue at I-26, Columbia. Friends of Senator Benjamin F. Randolph, a member of the SC Reconstruction Legislature, established a cemetery and monument in his honor where other prominent African-American leaders are buried.
Mann-Simons Cottage
1403 Richland Street, Columbia. Built in the 1800s, the house tells the story of free black
citizens in the antebellum period. Contact: Historic Columbia Foundation.
Phone: (803) 252-1770.
Modjeska Monteith Simkins House
2025 Marion Street, Columbia. Home of a founding member and secretary for the SC conference of NAACP chapters. The home served as a meeting place for dignitaries. Phone: (803) 748-8644.
The African-American Monument
On the statehouse grounds, this two-story monument is the first of its kind in the U.S. Visitors can view 12 panels of realistic figures recognizing African-Americans.
Home Place, Work Place, Resting Place - The Historic Columbia Foundation
Highlights 25 of the city's most important African-American historic sites.
The tour visits historic churches, Benedict College, Allen University, neighborhoods, houses and the African-American History Monument. Phone: (803) 252-1770.
Note: African-American art and history can also be found at The First Baptist Church, McKissick Museum, SC Supreme Court, SC State Museum and the SC Department of Archives and History. Call 1-866-SC-JEWEL for directions and information.
