Experience Columbia announces digital version of the Reconstruction Trail
June 19, 2024
Since 2021, visitors and local history buffs alike have been able to explore the Reconstruction Era in Columbia SC with the history-centered tourism trail Reconstructed: A Journey Through the Reconstruction Era in Columbia, SC. Now, embarking on the self-guided trail is even easier with the digital version.
Reconstructed, curated with the assistance of Historic Columbia, joins other Experience Columbia SC passes that can be accessed via mobile devices. Participants can use the digital pass to check in at each featured location to earn points towards being named to the Historians Hall of Fame. The trail gives a comprehensive and free look into this often-misunderstood time in history.
“Our digital passes allow this trail to be even more accessible as participants can learn more about the Reconstruction Era from their phones. It’s a free, insightful experience and great for families and groups to explore,” said Charlene Slaughter, director of communications for Experience Columbia SC. “We’re proud to continue to partner with Historic Columbia to bring this time period to life in a meaningful way to residents and visitors.”
The trail highlights eight locations and 10 trailblazers of the post-Civil War period to provide a new perspective to residents and visitors on how the past has shaped our modern nation. It touts the only museum dedicated to the Reconstruction Era, Historic Columbia’s Museum of The Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home.
Following the Civil War, the United States faced challenges in learning how to rebuild and reintegrate states that had seceded in the union, while African Americans sought a better life, as slavery was abolished, and their legal status was being determined. A Black-majority legislature was the first to occupy the South Carolina State House, and South Carolina is the only state in the U.S. to elect a Black-majority legislature to this day.
Sites include:
- The Museum of The Reconstruction Era at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home
- Benedict College
- Reconstruction Era Churches
- Phoenix Building
- South Carolina State House
- University of South Carolina
- Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens
- Randolph Cemetery
In addition to historic sites, the experience highlights noteworthy trailblazers such as Clarissa Minnie Thompson, Mack Johnson, Robert Brown Elliot and the Rollins sisters. Visitors and residents access the digital pass by visiting experiencecolumbiasc.com and clicking on tours and experiences.
About Experience Columbia SC
Experience Columbia SC is the region’s destination marketing organization. We’re responsible for all marketing efforts intended to help more visitors discover all that makes Columbia the real Southern hot spot. Think of us as the biggest cheerleader for the heart of South Carolina. For more information, please visit www.experiencecolumbiasc.com.
