The History of the Venues at Arsenal Hill
Two Centuries of Southern Hospitality
Nestled beside the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion in the heart of downtown Columbia, the Venues at Arsenal Hill offer a timeless blend of Southern history, architecture and charm. The property includes the Lace House, Caldwell-Boylston House, Carriage House, and surrounding gardens—each with its own unique story dating back nearly two centuries.
1790
Columbia becomes the official capital of South Carolina, establishing Arsenal Hill as part of one of the city’s earliest and most prominent historic districts.
1830
The Caldwell-Boylston House is constructed by prominent businessman John “Jack” Caldwell at 829 Richland Street. John was married to Rebecca Wells Caldwell, and they had 7 children. John " Jack" Caldwell was from Newberry County. He was a cotton broker, president of Exchange Bank and president of the South Carolina Railroad. The stately home remains one of Columbia’s finest examples of Greek Revival architecture, featuring grand double-tiered porches and classic columns.
1852
Mary Ophelia Caldwell, John "Jack" Caldwell's daughter, married Thomas Robertson. Thomas Robertson was from Winnsboro, and he worked for Mr. Caldwell. In 1868 and 1971, Thomas J. Robertson was elected as United States Senator. Thomas and Mary had 4 children: John, English, Mary Olive and Edwin.
1854
John Caldwell built the home now known as the Lace House as a wedding gift for his daughter, Mary Ophelia Caldwell, and his son-in-law, Thomas J. Robertson. This ornate southern home was designed by architect George E. Walker, who also designed the Bull Street Hospital. Originally called the Robertson House, it later earned the nickname “Lace House,” which was first used by Elmira De Graffenreid Keenan, for its intricate wrought-iron detailing.
1865
Much of Columbia, including Arsenal Hill, is impacted during the burning of Columbia near the end of the Civil War. The survival and preservation of the remaining historic homes would later become an important part of Columbia’s architectural heritage.
1868
Arsenal Academy was first used as a Governor’s residence by Governor Robert K. Scott. Postcard from the Governor’s Mansion in 1890.
1869
The Lace House was sold by Thomas J. Robertson to Cyrus Hull Baldwin (1822-1906) of Connecticut. Baldwin owned C. H. Baldwin & Son, specialists who sold luxury table goods, fancy groceries and fresh fruits. The Columbia (Groceries and Provisions) store was burned in 1882 and moved to the current Mast General Store at 1601 Main Street.
1869
The Caldwell House, including 2 acres of land, was sold by Thomas J. Robertson to Daniel H. Chamberlain (1835 – 1907), a Reconstruction-era governor of South Carolina, for $10,000. Chamberlain was from Massachusetts and a Yale graduate who became the unpopular 76th Governor of South Carolina in 1874.
1872
This bird’s-eye view drawing of the 800 block of Richland Street, featuring Lace House, the Caldwell Boylston House, and structures in the back of the property, was published by C.N. Drie of 800 Richland Street Block. Cartographic Form was used to depict towns.
1875
Governor Daniel Chamberlain installs the iron fence and has the Carriage House built as part of the expanding Arsenal Hill property.
1879
George Cotton Smith, father of Sarah Porter Smith Boyleston, used the Caldwell House as his winter residence. The family, originally from Pennsylvania, was traveling to Florida when they stopped in Columbia for medical treatment for George Cotton Smith’s wife. Impressed by South Carolina’s climate, they decided to establish a winter home there.
1889
Colonel Albert Lewis of Pennsylvania became the owner of the Caldwell House. Known as the “Lumber and Ice King of Wyoming Valley,” Lewis was the largest lumber manufacturer in the Wyoming Valley and the greatest producer of natural ice in Luzerne County, Penn. He was so wealthy that when he was drafted in the Civil War in 1864, he paid an area laborer, George Bryer, $300 to take his place under the “rich man’s exemption.”
Late 1800s
The homes and gardens of Arsenal Hill become gathering places for prominent South Carolina families and notable visitors. The Lace House and Caldwell-Boylston House continue to evolve as elegant private residences in the growing capital city.
1909
Sarah Porter Smith marries Samuel Shoemaker Boylston, a leading businessman from Winnsboro. She was a socialite, landowner, and gardener who lived at her home, the Caldwell House—now called the Caldwell-Boylston House—for over 50 years. During her time there, the house became a center of high society; records show she even hosted British Prime Minister Winston Churchill for dinner during his 1942 wartime visit to Fort Jackson.
Early 1900s
Sarah Porter Boylston transforms the grounds surrounding the Caldwell-Boylston House into beautifully landscaped gardens, further enhancing the estate’s reputation for elegance and hospitality.
1920
The Lace House is owned by William H. Monckton (1862- 1914), owner of Globe Dry Goods and a director of National Loan & Exchange Bank on Main Street in the Barringer Building.
1944
The South Carolina Memorial Garden is established by Mrs. Boylston in honor of her son, creating one of the property’s most treasured and peaceful spaces.
1954 – 1968
The Lace House serves as the headquarters for the South Carolina Women’s Christian Temperance Union. The organization’s goal was to restrict or abolish the consumption of liquor and other alcoholic drinks, as it viewed alcohol as a significant factor in the moral decline of the United States. The main goal of the temperance movement was to eliminate the negative effects alcohol had on society, families, and individuals. During this time, the home officially becomes known as the “Lace House.”
1968
The State of South Carolina purchases the Lace House to serve as part of the Governor’s Mansion complex, beginning extensive preservation and restoration efforts.
1970s – 1980s
Major restoration projects are completed throughout the Arsenal Hill properties and gardens, helping preserve the historic character and architectural beauty of the estate for future generations.
2019
In 2019, stewardship of the Venues at Arsenal Hill transitioned to the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT). In the years that followed, the State launched a multi-million-dollar restoration and renovation project designed to preserve the historic integrity of the estate while thoughtfully enhancing the venues and gardens for modern events and celebrations.
Present Day
Today, the Venues at Arsenal Hill carry on that legacy by hosting weddings, celebrations, corporate gatherings and special events, all set against historic beauty and timeless Southern elegance.