The history of South Carolina's State House is as colorful as the state itself. Begun in 1851, the original architect was dismissed for fraud and dereliction of duty and the structure dismantled due to defective materials. Work on a new structure was begun in 1855 and suspended in 1865 as Sherman's Union Army swept through leaving its mark on Columbia and the State House. Completed in 1907, the copper-domed granite building today wears six bronze stars to mark hits from Sherman's cannons. An African-American History Monument on the grounds traces African-American history from the Middle Passage, to the fight for freedom in the Civil War, the struggle for civil rights and emergence into mainstream America.

The State House Walking Trails were conceptualized by partnerships from the YMCA, SCHA SCPRT, and the joint legislative grounds committee:

CAROLINA WREN TRAIL (inner loop) – 1/4 MILE

SPOTTED SALAMANDER TRAIL (middle loop) – 1/2 MILE

BOYKIN SPANIEL TRAIL (middle loop + additional route) – 3/4 MILE

WHITE-TAILED DEER TRAIL (outer loop) – 1 MILE

There is a State House Walking Trails plaque located in front of the State House lawn—on the Gervais Street side—with a trail map.

Follow I-26 to I-126 to Elmwood Avenue exit. Follow Elmwood to Assembly Street and turn right. Take Assembly to Gervais Street and turn left.