Robert Mills Historic House and Park - Columbia, South Carolina Historic Museum, Landmark and Ornamental Gardens

The Robert Mills House is one of only five historic landmarks in the city of Columbia in South Carolina. It is situated in Blanding Street and the house and garden are open to the public every day except Mondays and major holidays. Guided tours are provided at the top of the hour.

The house was designed by the house's namesake Robert Mills, who was one of the first native born Americans to become a professional architect. He designed the house for an Englishman Ainsley Hall and his wife Sarah in 1823. Mills rarely worked on private residences and is chiefly remembered for designing the Washington Monument, which wasn't completed until 29 years after Mills' death.

Sadly Hall died before the house was completed and after his outdated will was contested, Sarah decided to sell the house. The Presbyterian Synod of South Carolina and Georgia bought the house and established a seminary there until they moved to Georgia in 1927. Following various changes of ownership the house came close to being demolished in the 1960s, but was saved and opened as a house museum by the Historic Foundation of Columbia in 1967.

Robert Mills, who was born in South Carolina, was renowned for designing buildings in the Classical Revival style and this house was no exception. He used classical features such as symmetry, a protruding Greek style porch and large Ionic columns at the front of the house. The back is equally as grand with a wide porch and large columns and small arches.

There are many historic pieces of art, furniture and photographs collected by the Historic Foundation of Columbia, which are maintained at the house. Some of the furniture on display is from around the early 19th century period when Mills designed the house. The pieces of art and furniture vary in style from American Federal, English Regency and French empire furniture.

The historic museum, which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973, also boasts a large garden. Under the stewardship of the Presbyterian Synod, the house was used mainly for religious and educational purposes, so no great attention was paid to the grounds. The gardens were landscaped and made very ornamental in the late 1960s to reflect early 19th century inspired English gardens.

The ornamental part of the garden features statues, pergolas, formal planting and pathways and has been designated "The Founders' Garden''. It was established to complement the style of the house and is being used to emphasize heritage plants and plant conservation and sustainable planting practices. The grounds can be privately hired for special events, but the house is not available for rent.

As well as the gardens, the carriage house can be hired for special events, and is also used as a classroom space for educational programs. There are two other buildings flanking the main house. One of these is a library, whilst the other has a museum gift shop for visitors to purchase souvenirs.