South Carolina State House, Columbia South Carolina

The South Carolina State House in Columbia South Carolina is a must see.  I think it might be one of the more significant buildings linked to the Civil War.

We walked in to the massive government building and went through the usual very reasonable security to get in.  Right after that, another nice employee asked us if we were looking to do a tour and we confirmed that we were.  Almost instantly, we found ourselves, along with another couple, touring the huge building.

At first, we were shown a short film on the State House.  Then, we were taken around and told about the building itself, and all it had been through.

Construction started on the State House in the early 1850.  The project was slowed by the Civil War.  When Sherman invaded...  well, they did a number on Columbia.  The Old State House was burned, while it's nearby unfinished replacement (the current state house) took on a ton of damage too.  In fact, on the outside of the building, six stars mark where cannon balls hit and caused damage.

In the film we saw, they showed that a sword and a mace are displayed when certain government bodies are in session.  The original sword was stolen and never recovered.  The current one is still exceptionally significant and it is valued at a half million dollars.  The mace has been in use, I believe, since the 1700s.  According to the film it is estimated as having a value of PRICELESS!