Protecting your family, in our Hometown, for a LIFETIME!
Have you ever taken a second to really think about how important your home's roof is to your health and safety? It's so much more than a simple hat for your house. It protects you from the elements like rain, sleet, snow, and wind. It helps keep you and your family warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Those harmful pests and critters you see roaming around your property? Your roof helps keep them away from your family, too.
When you take those points into account, it becomes clear that your home's roof is crucial for year-round well-being and comfort. So, when your roof is nearing the end of its life, or it needs maintenance or repairs, hiring a reliable roofer in Columbia, SC is an investment you shouldn't pass up. For South Carolina homeowners and business owners, only the best and brightest roofing experts will do when it comes to their family's happiness and safety. That's why they call on Hometown Roofing to handle all their repair, replacement, and maintenance needs.
Hometown Roofing has been the top choice for roofing services in South Carolina for years. As locals of the Lowcountry, we pride ourselves on being more than just a roofing company. We're your friends and neighbors. As a family-owned business, integrity, hard work, and personalized service are at the forefront of our values. We believe in providing our loyal customers with the highest quality work completed by experts in their respective fields. Why? Because that's the way we would want to be treated, too.
At the end of the day, we strive to treat our customers with respect, confidence, and understanding. Our goal isn't to rip you off or charge you an arm and a leg for our residential or commercial roofing services. As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, our goal is to work hard and provide you with a long-lasting product that you will love for years to come. It's really that simple. When you choose Hometown Roofing, you can rest assured that you'll get the highest quality roofing services in South Carolina, such as:
Whether you're in need of a complete roof replacement in Columbia, SC, or minor roof maintenance, our process starts with an in-depth consultation and ends with a smile on our face.
At the consultation stage, we have a meeting with the client to talk about their roofing needs and evaluate the property. Based on our expertise, we provide recommendations to ensure the best solution for the client's specific roof replacement, repair, or maintenance requirements.
In the detailed proposal stage, we create a comprehensive document that outlines the scope of work relating to your roofing project, the materials to be used, project timeline, and estimated costs. This provides the client with a clear understanding of the roofing project, enabling them to make informed decisions.
During the project installation phase, our team of licensed experts executes the previously agreed-upon plan. We install or repair the roofing system with unmatched confidence and experience while always adhering to industry standards, safety protocols, and local laws. During this process, we strive to stay in touch every step of the way so our clients are always in the loop. We then complete your roofing project within the specified timeline so that clients experience minimal disruptions to their daily lives.
When it's time for the final inspection of your roofing project, our roofing contractor's work is thoroughly examined to ensure it meets our high standards and our client's roofing needs. If there is additional work to be done, we'll finish up the project ASAP. If our client has questions or concerns, we always address them before heading home. That way, our customers can rest easy at night knowing they have a reliable, well-maintained roof over their heads.
Living in South Carolina means experiencing unpredictable weather patterns. Bright and sunny skies can quickly turn into heavy rainfall, which can cause damage to your roof. That's why it's important to have a reliable roofing company to perform expert repairs when needed.
Whether you suspect damage has been done to your roof or you want preventative maintenance, Hometown Roofing is here to handle the hard work for you. A thorough roof inspection is the first step in understanding your repair needs. Our team will then repair any damage, like weather-worn shingles or roof leaks, to ensure your family is safe and protected.
Some of the most common roof repairs we provide for homeowners and business owners include the following:
Don't wait until it's too late to schedule repairs - your roof might only be one or two South Carolina storms away from needing more than simple maintenance or repairs! South Carolina homeowners and entrepreneurs trust Hometown Roofing for their roof repairs because we:
We put a lot of stock in the ethos of "Safety first before everything." As licensed contractors with years of experience, our roofers have the tools and training to repair your roof without you needing to worry about their safety. Of course, your safety is of utmost importance, too. Hiring an experienced professional saves you from putting yourself and your family in a compromising situation that could involve hospitals, doctors, and injuries.
Because the truth is, roof repairs usually require climbing ladders, balancing on high roofs, and working under pressure. Those aren't things an average homeowner looks forward to. By working with Hometown Roofing, you're leaving the difficult work up to highly trained experts, so you can focus on your family, not recovering from an injury sustained from DIY roofing.
You can tell whether a roofer is worth hiring by asking them about their roofing experience. The very best roofers usually have years, if not decades, of professional experience. Those years working up on roofs out in the sun is priceless for homeowners and business owners who want the best roofing service. At Hometown Roofing, our contractors have extensive knowledge and experience, both in advanced applications and basic roof repair theory. Unlike some roofers, Hometown Roofing team members have real-world experience and certifications - something that no amount of reading or watching YouTube videos will provide.
As a homeowner or business owner, you want every assurance that your new roof or roofing products will last for the long haul. That's why we're proud to provide a 50-year manufacturer warranty and a 20-year labor warranty on all new asphalt architectural shingle roofs. We also provide a 20-year labor warranty on all new standing seam metal roofs and a 10-year labor warranty on new tuff-rib metal roofs.
Our team at Hometown Roofing is dedicated to delivering exceptional roof repairs and top-notch service. We take pride in our work and strive for excellence when repairing, replacing, or installing roofs in South Carolina. We understand that even the smallest details matter, which is why we thoroughly inspect our work to ensure the highest quality. Our main objective is to surpass your expectations with true roofing expertise, not just average service. For long-lasting roof repairs, trust the professionals at Hometown Roofing.
When it comes to getting a new roof for your home, you want to make sure it's done right. That's why you need licensed professionals to handle the complex and intensive process. It may seem like a big investment, but the long-term benefits are worth it. You'll enjoy increased safety, comfort, and a higher home value. At Hometown Roofing, we're the go-to company for roof installations in South Carolina.
Our experts have completed hundreds of successful projects, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards for product longevity, customer satisfaction, and quality craftsmanship. Whether you're looking to upgrade your roof or need a replacement due to damage, we've got you covered. We specialize in many types of roof replacement projects, including:
At Hometown Roofing, one of the most common questions we get is, "How do I know when it's time to replace my roof?" That's not always an easy question to answer since every roofing structure and every roof replacement scenario is slightly different. Roofs endure harsh weather conditions like extreme heat, strong winds, freezing temperatures, and heavy rainfall, which can damage their protective layers. Although some roofs can last up to 25 years, shingles and other materials may deteriorate over time and become brittle, crack, tear, or disintegrate. While it can be challenging to assess the condition of your roof from the ground, these signs may help you determine when it's time for roof replacement in Columbia, SC.
It might seem counterintuitive to look for signs of disrepair inside your home, but rooms like your attic can show signs of damage much better than outside areas. Be sure to grab a powerful flashlight first and look carefully for streaks, stains, and drips. Also, keep an eye out for light beams poking through the top of your house. If you see these signs, there's a good chance your roof has leaks and should be replaced.
You'll need a good view of your roof to check for these red flags, which are telltale signs that your roof is near the end of its life. Curling and cupping look alike and manifest with the ends of your shingles peeling away and pointing up. Clawing happens when the middle of a shingle lifts up while its ends stay attached to the roof. None of these conditions are good, so if you spot them, know that it could be time for a roof inspection.
How old is your roof? If it's more than 25 years old, chances are it's on its way out. The average lifespan of an asphalt roof is 20-25 years. When that time frame passes, you should consider looking at replacing your worn-out roof.
If you're driving around your neighborhood and notice one or more roofers in Columbia, SC, make a mental note to inspect your roof. It's common for houses in neighborhoods to be constructed at the same time, with the same materials purchased in bulk by the builder. As a result, the roofs of these homes tend to deteriorate at a similar rate. With that in mind, if you observe your neighbors replacing their roofs, it may be a sign that you should consider doing the same.
A sagging roof is a sign of structural problems and may require a new roof installation. This problem is typically caused by water damage or a broken rafter, and it's important to have a licensed and insured roofing company, like Hometown Roofing, address the issue. To properly diagnose the problem, the contractor may need to remove the shingles and plywood sheathing underneath.
Hometown Roofing is available to assist when disaster strikes. We recognize that roofing emergencies can occur at any time, so we provide 24/7 emergency roofing services to homeowners in our community. Here is an overview of the critical emergency services we offer:
When you're in a roofing emergency, Hometown Roofing is always here to help. Our expert team is available 24/7 to respond quickly and professionally to any crisis. We understand that your home's safety is your top priority, and we're committed to mitigating damage and providing peace of mind during difficult times.
Dealing with insurance claims can be overwhelming, especially after a disaster. That's why Hometown Roofing offers assistance navigating the complicated process of working with your insurance company. We'll help you document the damage and submit the necessary paperwork to your insurance provider, ensuring a smoother and more successful claim.
If your roof has suffered severe damage and can't be repaired immediately, our emergency tarping service can provide temporary protection from further harm. This solution will safeguard your home from the elements until repairs can be made. Trust Hometown Roofing to keep your home safe and secure in any roofing emergency.
When severe weather hits, your roof can take a beating. From losing shingles to damaging the structure, it can leave your home vulnerable. That's where Hometown Roofing comes in. We offer quick and reliable storm damage repair services to ensure your roof is safe and secure once again.
If your roof has been severely damaged by a fallen tree or other catastrophic event, call Hometown Roofing ASAP. Our team is here to help. We'll stabilize your roof, preventing any potential collapse or further damage, helping provide peace of mind and comfort in a trying time.
After a storm, your roof can be covered in debris that may cause additional damage if left unattended. Our experienced professionals are equipped to safely remove any debris, ultimately preserving the lifespan of your roof.
Sometimes, extensive repairs to your roof can't be completed immediately after an emergency. Our team of roofing experts can provide a temporary fix so that your home is safe, dry, and protected from more damage.
When your roof sprouts a leak suddenly, it can be catastrophic. Hometown Roofing professionals will locate the source of your leak and provide a quick, effective solution to your problem.
When a severe weather event or other emergency incident occurs, you may need a roof inspection to assess the totality of your damage. Hometown Roofing inspections identify needed repairs. That way, you plan for the next steps and do what's necessary to protect your roof and your family.
Hometown Roofing was born out of a rich legacy and a steadfast commitment to quality. Unlike many roofing companies in South Carolina, we stand by the ethos of doing everything right and never cutting corners. We extend that commitment to your home, whether you need minor roof repairs, a total roof replacement, or something in between. Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation today.
132 E 2nd N St, Summerville, SC 29483
A hurricane is bearing down on Florida, and it will bring rain to the Midlands.Hurricane Idalia is expected to make landfall over Florida’s Gulf Coast Wednesday morning before hitting the Geor...
A hurricane is bearing down on Florida, and it will bring rain to the Midlands.
Hurricane Idalia is expected to make landfall over Florida’s Gulf Coast Wednesday morning before hitting the Georgia coast and then the Carolinas Wednesday night.
By the time Idalia impacts reach the Midlands, the hurricane likely will have been downgraded to a tropical storm or a tropical depression, but the Columbia area should still expect heavy rain as early as midday Wednesday. The National Weather Service expects between 3 to 6 inches in the area, with heavy winds Wednesday night.
As Columbia braces for rain, parts of the city are likely to flood. When historic rainfall came to Columbia last July, parts of Five Points were half a foot under water, and most area businesses spent the following day drying out their stores. It’s a common practice when storms roll through the area.
Five Points is one of the most flood-prone areas of the city. Parts of the University of South Carolina campus and the Shandon neighborhood also see routine flooding with heavy rains.
Columbia has attempted to bolster flood protections in parts of the city, but the measures often prove only partially effective in heavy rain.
Several years ago, the city completed a $1 million project at Martin Luther King Jr. Park meant to reduce flooding in the area. The work created a stormwater retention area to hold rainwater and to channel it through Five Points when flooding does occur. Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy previously said the city has seen significant improvements to the amount of flooding in Five Points since finishing that project, but he added it can’t prevent all flooding.
“There’s certain levels of events you just can’t design (for),” he said.
This map shows Columbia’s most flood-prone intersections according to information provided by the city of Columbia.
This map was created by a user. Learn how to create your own.
If residents do encounter flooded streets, experts urge caution. Do not drive through floodwaters, even if the water does not look deep. If a road is flooded, turn around and find an alternate route.
“It takes just 12 inches of flowing water to carry off a small car, (and) 18 to 24 inches for larger vehicles,” the National Weather Service warns. The water may also be hiding washed-out road surfaces, electrical wires, debris or other dangerous objects.
More than half of all flooding deaths nationally occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water, according to the weather service.
Wells Fargo will lay off up to 525 employees in Columbia and shutter its office space at 101 Greystone Blvd. by June 30, 2024, ...
Wells Fargo will lay off up to 525 employees in Columbia and shutter its office space at 101 Greystone Blvd. by June 30, 2024, according to information filed with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.
The financial institution has been cutting down its real estate portfolio in addition to laying off employees nationwide, according to comments from the company’s Chief Financial Officer earlier this month, along with a letter from the banking company supplied to South Carolina’s workforce agency.
“...We need to concentrate Wells Fargo real estate investments in fewer locations or reduce space in existing real estate,” that letter, first obtained by the Post and Courier, reads.
Employees were notified of the impending layoffs Sept. 28, according to the filing.
“Wells Fargo continues to bring employees in non-customer facing roles together and to improve and modernize our workspaces. This will strengthen our customer-centric culture, collaboration, strong risk management, and innovation,” a spokesperson wrote via email when asked by The State for more information.
If employees at Columbia’s Wells Fargo choose not to transfer to a new location, they will be laid off.
“We will offer support to impacted employees, such as severance and career counseling,” the spokesperson added.
Michael Santomassimo, Chief Financial Officer for Wells Fargo, told attendees of the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference in mid-September to expect to see more layoffs at the company and a decrease in the company’s real estate portfolio, according to the Charlotte Observer.
The company has cut about 40,00 jobs in recent years, Santomassimo said at the conference, adding that the number of employees at the company has decreased every quarter since the end of 2020.
“Now, I’m not suggesting it’s going to be down every quarter forever, right. But I do think that there’s more to do,” he said at the time.
This story was originally published October 2, 2023, 3:34 PM.
In such a short life, Myers was a football star, military judge, lawyer, husband, and father.COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina legal community is mourning the loss of iconic lawyer Stanley Myers.Wednesday was a nightmare day for Russell Ott, after hearing about the passing of Stanley Myers. He's been a long-time friend of Myers and they met while they both attended the ...
In such a short life, Myers was a football star, military judge, lawyer, husband, and father.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina legal community is mourning the loss of iconic lawyer Stanley Myers.
Wednesday was a nightmare day for Russell Ott, after hearing about the passing of Stanley Myers. He's been a long-time friend of Myers and they met while they both attended the Citadel in Charleston.
"We went to football camp together and our coach put us together as roommates," he says, "Anyone that he ever came in contact with, got a glimpse of that great smile and great laugh and he would just carry on a conversation with anyone and everyone and treat them like family."
According to the Lexington County coroner, Myers passed away Wednesday from natural causes.
Myers leaves behind a wife and two kids and Ott says those were the focus of his life and goals.
Ott recalls, "I can't go back and tell you enough about the father that he was and the husband that he was. He was Superman to his two kids."
Myers was a partner at the Moore Bradley Myers Law firm in West Columbia.
He served as a lieutenant colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard where he was a military judge, the first ever African-American to do so in the state. It's the kind of legacy that has inspired young men like Tyler Swain Mitchell. He's a 2022 Citadel graduate and recalls conversations with Myers, offering him advice in and out of the classroom.
"That was an inspiration for us. It was important that we see someone that only looks like us, that's been through the experience like we [have.] it's an experience like no other" says Mitchell.
While at the Citadel, Myers became friends with Tem Miles.
Now, as the West Columbia mayor, Miles tries to carry on the legacy of Myers while being a public servant.
He says, "Stanley was the type of guy that if I needed legal work in an area that I didn't practice, that I could send them to Stanley and I could know that they would be taken care of the same, if not better, and I could myself."
Kembrell Garvin was being mentored by Myers as a young student, and now as a member of South Carolina's House of Rrepresentatives, still received help from Myers.
"He called me last night when I was at a meeting, and he texted me right after that phone call. He said, 'Hey, I know we've been playing phone tag, but let's talk in the morning."
He rejoices, "So as we say in the Baptist church, I'm going to see Stanley in the morning, but not literally in the morning that we thought it would be. But it would be in that morning when both of us see our heavenly father."
According to Ott, Myers always had a helping hand and would love to give back, especially in his hometown of Swansea, South Carolina.
Ott says, "Each and every year he would do bicycle giveaways for the young folks here in Swansea. So this was home for him, he never forgot where he came from."
Funeral arrangements for Myers have not been released yet.
In Partnership with Experience Columbia SCIn Partnership with Experience Columbia SCSouthern charm and an easy-going attitude make Columbia a great place for families. In the heart of South Carolina, just 90 miles south of Charlotte, there are more activities for the whole family than hours to do them. Below, we’ve assembled a sampling of what’s in South Carolina’s capital city and the surrounding area for fa...
In Partnership with Experience Columbia SC
Southern charm and an easy-going attitude make Columbia a great place for families. In the heart of South Carolina, just 90 miles south of Charlotte, there are more activities for the whole family than hours to do them. Below, we’ve assembled a sampling of what’s in South Carolina’s capital city and the surrounding area for families:
After getting settled, it’s time to fuel up! Stop by Groucho’s in the Five Points district to try one of their famous sandwiches (Apollo Dipper, anyone?). After one bite, you’ll understand why the locals rave about this place. Once you’re stuffed, it’s time for an out-of-this-world experience at two of the Southeast’s best museums:
Take one step into EdVenture, a children’s museum, and you’ll spot Eddie, a 40-foot tall, 10-year-old boy that kids can climb to explore the human brain, heart, and stomach. From there, visit the busy bee farm or the neighborhood market, and be sure to check out the exhibits. Sit in the cockpit at the FLIGHT exhibit, and experience the sensation of flying over Columbia.
EdVenture shares a parking lot with the South Carolina State Museum, making it easy to keep the learning going. With four floors of art, science, history, and technology exhibits, the whole family will dig this spot. They’ve got a digital planetarium, 4D interactive theater, and Boeing observatory deck as well as a constant cycle of exhibits.
All of that hands-on learning and discovery will work up an appetite again, and you can satisfy those growling stomachs with a visit to Cantina 76 on Main Street. The Mexican-inspired menu has something for everyone to enjoy (and not to mention, hand-crafted margaritas for parents). Then, enjoy a mouth-watering treat from Sweet Cream Co. Hand-crafted with the highest quality ingredients, Sweet Cream Co. takes ice cream to the next level.
Start the morning off with breakfast at Eggs Up Grill on Devine Street. Here, they have a “pick 3” option for the kiddos to get exactly what they want. We suggest ordering an extra plate of caramel apple pancakes to share, these delicacies are giant in size, and fluffy in texture, which makes them perfect for splitting before heading back to Main Street for your next adventure.
On Saturdays, experience Soda City Market with the family. Grab some Carolina popcorn, boiled peanuts, and coffee to keep everyone content while you stroll charming Main Street. The kids will likely have their pick of balloon animals or face painting, and they can watch magicians and musicians perform in the streets around them. All the while, you can grab some fresh produce and locally-made gifts. Don’t forget to stop in at Mast General. Your kids will like the barrels of candy and old-timey toys, and you can peak at some breezy outdoor fashion or the latest camping gear.
From there, check out the Columbia Museum of Art, just off Boyd Plaza in the heart of Soda City. The museum offers gallery scavenger hunts, art explorer backpacks, and a hands-on creative space to keep kids engaged while touring the museum.
Time to burn some more energy and go bananas at Frankie’s Fun Park. They’ve got an arcade, mini golf, go-carts, and more. Or give Plex HiWire a try. The trampoline park has locations in Irmo and Northeast Columbia. We’ve seen 12-year-olds and 30-year-olds enjoy jumping into foam pits.
Wrap up the evening with a family favorite: pizza at Za’s on Devine. Once you’ve cleaned your plates, head to Pelican’s Snoballs for a true, New Orleans-style snow cone.
Get your day started with a strong cup of coffee, and a quick breakfast at smallSUGAR in The Vista district. Some caffeine and one of their delicious tartines will give you the energy boost you need to get to your last adventure of the weekend.
A trip to Columbia is incomplete without a trip to Riverbanks Zoo for animal spotting, giraffe feeding, and adventure-seeking. This is not your average zoo with its Waterfall Junction, rock climbing wall, and sky-high safari vertical ropes challenge. The zoo also features family-friendly signature events throughout the year, like Boo at the Zoo during the fall season.
Want to avoid the crowds? There are tons of options to explore the great outdoors. If you’re a hiking family, lace up your boots and head to Congaree National Park, South Carolina’s only National Park. Looking to kayak, canoe, or picnic? Saluda Shoals, located along the banks of the Saluda River, is a great place to spend the day. Their splash pad is perfect to keep the little ones cool and entertained on a toasty summer day.
Be sure to head to Experience Columbia SC’s website for more ideas on enjoying the region!
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Historians say virtually none of modern day Columbia would be what it is without the giant stone building in the middle of it all — the state house.
So, why Columbia? Why did early settlers choose this stretch of land?
“There was a lot of work to get to where we’re currently sitting,” State House Tour Office and Gift Shop Manager Becca Rhinehart said.
Centuries of work, really.
Columbia as we know it today is full of life with bustling businesses, higher education and the meeting ground for all things “South Carolina politics.”
It was all the result of a very tedious plan.
“Columbia is the nation’s very first planned state capitol,” Rhinehart explained. “So, from its origins to the execution of the planning, this was the first of its kind in America.”
Planned, meaning nearly every decision about the new city’s layout revolved around the state house.
Columbia was comprised of roughly 40 streets with each one named with purpose.
“Columbia was outlined as a two mile square. we have our wonderful city blocks, we can still navigate today, and the state house was in the center of it,” Rhinehart said. “We’ve kept the bulk of our street names since the origins, our north-south streets were named after people and the east-west were named after imports. So, there would have been things like blossom lumber, that sort of thing.”
Whaley Street was originally named “Indigo” Street after South Carolina’s second most important export crop in the eighteenth century.
Other examples are Laurel Street, named after laurel plants, and Blossom Street named after cotton blossoms.
Today, you’ll notice Washington Street is adjacent to Lady Street.
Washington Street was named after future president George Washington and Lady Street, after First Lady Martha Washington.
“They had planned for growth of their brand new capital,” Rhinehart said.
Yes, she said brand new capital — meaning Columbia wasn’t the original. So how did we get here?
We have to go back to the colonial times before S.C. was even an official state.
“Really, you would want to go back to the 1660s,” Historian, S.C. Department of Archives and History Dr. Edwin Breeden said.
In 1660, after years of civil war in England, Charles III re-claimed the thrown.
In exchange for their loyalty, the new king gifted a plot of land to eight noble men known as “the Lords proprietors.”
They called the land “Carolina” — a word taken from the Latin word “Charles or Carolus” — honoring King Charles.
To profit off their new land, the men created a government.
“The city of Charleston, or as it was originally known, Charles Town, was founded. and when it was established, it was the capital of a new English colony called Carolina,” Breeden said.
Charleston was the first settlement in the colony of Carolina and the first capitol up until the late 1700s.
Tt was here that Carolinians would take care of administrative duties — such as filing property deeds or making laws — but it wasn’t perfect.
“With the colony encompassing that large of an area. distance was one of the biggest challenges,” Breeden said.
“Charleston was far away from pretty much everyone else in the state,” Rhinehart said. “So, from Greenville to Charleston in the 1700s was quite a long haul by horse.”
It would have taken a week to travel that far by horse and over double that for settlers traveling from what is now North Carolina.
Roughly 150,000 square miles of land governed by just one city.
“There was a recognition really, from very early in the in the colonies history that this was a very large area to manage,” Breeden said.
The decision was made in 1712 to split the swath of land into separate parts: N.C. and S.C.
Now the government in Charleston belonged to only S.C.
After years of protests, the capital was still not in the ideal place for everyone to have equal access.
Therefore, the general assembly sought out a centralized location.
“Some people called Columbia nothing more than a pine forest,” Rhinehart said.
In the early 1700s, historians say Columbia was considered the rural frontier — home to only a few plantations and trading posts — but it quickly became more than that.
“Columbia in the center of the state was chosen with this location, lot due to the river systems here,” Rhinehart said. So, to our west, we have the Congaree River that is made from the Saluda and Broad, and at that time, and the 1700s, that’s as far inland as the boats could go. So, coming from the coast, inland Columbia was the natural drop off point, because the rapids grew too strong, and the rivers are shallow. So, this was a really great point for trade and a central location.”
Columbia had not been officially established by this point. In 1786, the S.C. General Assembly voted to legislate the city into existence.
The empty land was sold to farmers and businesses.
“They took their drawings and plans of the city to charleston, and they would have been near the old exchange building, taking notes and trying to get people to move to Columbia,” Rhinehart said.
After years of recruiting and fundraising, the move from Charleston was officially underway.
The money cooped from selling plots of land was used to build the new state house.
It took three years to complete the new wood capital from 1786 to 1789, but during construction tragedy struck back in Charleston.
“The original state house in Charleston actually had a fire,” Rhinehart said. “Their senate chamber had a fireplace, it got a little out of control, and there goes the whole most of that building. They did rebuild, but they were already on their way to making that new capital in Columbia.”
For nearly a century, the young city thrived building its name as the “new” capital of S.C.
However, in 1865, Union General William T. Sherman and his 60-thousand troops stormed Columbia.
At the time, the fire-proof building, soon to be S.C.’s third state house, was under construction and consisted of basically four stone walls.
Sherman ordered his troops to shell the structure in hopes of destroying it.
“They were across the Congaree River and aiming for the side of our building,” Rhinehart said. “We would have been the tallest thing on the landscape, which made it a really great target.
Next to it, however, was the wooden capital.
On the night of Feb. 16, 1865, it was reduced to ash by Sherman and S.C. was once again left without a functioning state house.
“Through 52 years, we had six different architects, different stages, walls, roof ceiling interior, and by 1907, we have a finished state house,” Rhinehart said.
The colossal structure is comprised of fire-proof materials like bricks made from mud of the Congaree River and the state stone, blue granite, produced in a quarry just four miles from the state house.
In 1990, more than 100 seismic isolators were installed under the building making it earthquake resistant.
“They never could have imagined tour buses and so much rocks, but the city has grown well with us,” Rhinehart said.
A virtually indestructible building resembling the resilience of the Palmetto State and all part of the plan.
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