Robert Mills House, Columbia

The Robert Mills House is a testament to early 19th-century Classical Revival architecture, designed by the renowned architect Robert Mills. Originally known as the Ainsley Hall House, the mansion was intended to be an elegant townhome for Ainsley and Sarah Hall when construction began in 1823. However, the building never fulfilled this initial purpose. Instead, it served as the campus for various religious schools, including a Presbyterian theological seminary and Columbia Bible College, before falling into disuse.

By 1960, the Robert Mills House faced abandonment and was threatened with demolition, prompting a significant preservation effort. Historic preservation advocates rallied to save the architectural masterpiece, leading to the formation of Historic Columbia. Thanks to their efforts, the house was restored and transformed into a historic house museum. Today, it showcases period rooms and focus galleries that highlight decorative arts from the late 18th through the mid-19th centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

The gardens of the Robert Mills House add another layer of historical and botanical interest. Designed in a historically appropriate English Formal style, the gardens uniquely incorporate plant species native to the Eastern United States. Visitors can enjoy a variety of landscapes, from open, naturalistic spaces with large canopy trees to the meticulously maintained clipped hedges of formal parterres. The combination of historical design and native flora makes the gardens a notable feature of the site.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Columbia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Robert Mills House
Sight Location: Columbia, USA (See walking tours in Columbia)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Historical Houses and Buildings Walk

Walking Tours in Columbia, South Carolina

Create Your Own Walk in Columbia

Creating your own self-guided walk in Columbia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Columbia Introduction Walking Tour

Columbia, the capital and largest city of South Carolina is a treasure trove of historical significance, cultural wealth, and Southern charm. The city's history is marked by its role in the American Civil War. This historical backdrop sets the stage for Columbia鈥檚 many landmarks and educational institutions that speak volumes of its resilience and cultural evolution.

In May 1540, a... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

Historical Houses and Buildings Walk

Columbia is a city rich in history and architectural heritage, boasting an array of old-time buildings that offer a window into its storied past. From grand antebellum mansions and elegant townhouses to significant public edifices and modest residences, each of these structures tells a unique story, reflecting the diverse cultural, social, and economic tapestry of the city.

Among such, the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

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