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The name Robert Mills might not be too familiar to you, but more than likely you have seen some of his work. His most notable work is the Washington Monument. Born In Charleston, South Carolina he was one of the first American-born professional architects and the first architect to have been trained in the United States. Mills attended the College of Charleston where he graduated at the age of 19. He was an apprentice of Hoban; an Irish architect, Mills followed his mentor to Washington DC and helped Hoban design The White House. He also studied under Thomas Jefferson.

Throughout his life and in many different states, Mills designed many buildings. In Philadelphia, he designed the Washington Hall, Samson Street Baptist Church, and the Octagon Church for the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. In Georgia, he designed the First Presbyterian Church. He also designed the Department of Treasury Building, the US Patent Office Building, and the old General Post Office in Washington, DC. Robert Mills also served as the federal architect under seven presidents.

In South Carolina, he is very well known for his architectural work. In at least 18 counties he designed county courthouses, public buildings, and a few privates homes. He also designed portions of the Landsford Canal in Chester County. One of the most popular attractions that he designed in Columbia is The Robert Mills House and Gardens.

The Robert Mills House was built on four acres in 1823. It was then sold it to the Presbyterian Synod of South Carolina and Georgia. They established a seminary at the home in 1831 and opened the educational chapter of the history of the property. In 1960 Columbia Bible College left the property under the threat of demolition. It was saved from demolition in 1961 and received an extensive restoration. It opened in 1967 as an historic house museum, which holds many different activities throughout the year.

The Robert Mills House has so much fun on Halloween! Put on your costume and come to Trunk or Treat in a fun and safe environment. Many people from all over Columbia come out and decorate their trunks and fill them with candy to hand out. They also hold a contest for the best costume and best decorated trunk.

If you’re looking for a fun Christmas outing, visit The Robert Mills House and Gardens. Eggnog, poinsettias, and christmas trees were all part of the Victorian era during the holidays and those traditions stand true today there. Guests will see how a home was decorated in the 1820s. The best part, you’ll have breakfast with Santa Claus! Bring the whole family for fun crafts, breakfast  and get to see how a victorian christmas tree was decorated.

Whether you’re a native of Columbia or just passing through, be sure to visit one of the 5 national historic landmarks in Columbia. See a beautiful mansion, learn about the history and walk thought the 1970s inspired landscape design.