Columbia, SC

South Carolina State House
Hundreds of enslaved people cut quarry stone for the walls and columns, and worked as on-site laborers during the construction of the State House from 1851 through 1861; from 1868 until 1877 there were over 80 African Americans conducting legislative business in the State House; this majority occurred in no other state; Historian Eric Foner described the delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1868 as “mostly educated, articulate, and politically experienced freeborn” Blacks “who often outmaneuvered white” politicians; after 1877, Blacks were systematically eliminated from state government and businesses throughout the South; almost 100 years later, the next African American legislator elected in the state.  Herbert U. Fielding, James L. Felder, and I.S. Leevy Johnson became the first Black Carolinians to serve in the general Assembly since the 1890’s.  Tours Mon–Fri 9a–12p and 1:30p–4p; Main and Gervais Streets; http://www.myscgov.com

Columbia Museum of Art
This regional museum focuses on Early Renaissance, the Dutch School, Neo-Classicism and 19th Century American and European art; Wed, Thu, Sat 10a-5p, Fri 10a-9p (10a-5p in December), Sun 1p- 5p; Admission $5 adults, $2 students; Main at Hampton Street; 803-799-2810; http://www.columbiamuseum.org

Columbia Riverfront Park & Historic Canal
Runs beside the historic Columbia Canal, the park features a 2.5-mile trail popular for walking, running, bicycling, and fishing. Picnic tables and benches are scattered along the walking trail; 1932 Calhoun Street off Laurel Street; 803-545-3100; http://www.columbiasc.net

Nickelodeon Theatre
Columbia’s Film Society’s 77-seat venue provides an intimate setting for international and independent cinema, showcasing over 125 films each year; hosts the African-American/International Film Festival, Columbia Jewish Film Festival, Native American Film Festival, Latin American Film Festival, and Southern Circuit Touring Filmmaker Series; 37 Main Street; 803-254-8234; http://www.nickelodeon.org

Koger Center for the Arts
The invaluable cultural center seats 2,256 for ballet, Broadway musicals, symphonies, concerts and special events, including the U.S. Youth Games
and
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority presentation, Fashionetta; located at the University of South Carolina campus; 1051 Greene Street; 803-251-2222; http://www.koger.sc.edu

State Farmers Market
Fresh fruits and vegetables arrive daily at the largest produce market in the Southeast. Visitors and buyers welcome; Mon-Sat 6a-9p, tours available; located across from the University of South Carolina's Williams-Brice Football Stadium; 1001 Bluff Road; 803-737-4664

University of South Carolina
Between 1873-1877, the University of South Carolina was the only southern state university opened to African American students – 233 attended; when Reconstruction ended in 1877, the college was closed to prevent African Americans from attending; when it reopened several years later, African Americans were no longer permitted to attend; in 1963, the university integrated the Columbia campus for the second time; tours by appt Mon–Fri 10a and 2p and Sat 10a and 2p during the academic year; academic home to 37,000 students each year; 803-777-7000; http://www.sc.edu

Columbia City Jazz Dance Company
One of the nation’s top dance companies; aside from the many performances around town and abroad, the company is known for it Guest Artists Series which brings in internationally known dancers to teach master classes open to any dancer from any studio; classes have been taught by notables such as Mia Michaels, Ray Leeper, Desiree Robbins, Doug Calwell, Liz Imperio, and others during August through November; 550 Rivermont Drive; 803-252-0252; http://www.columbiacityjazz.com