Woodlands
National Register Listing
Street Address:
409 Old Woodlands Road, Columbia, SC (Richland County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817740137
Description and Narrative:
Woodlands is historically significant for its association with the Hampton family, in particular Harry R.E. Hampton (1897-1980), a leading journalist and conservationist in the state; it is architecturally significant as an outstanding and well-preserved example of Folk Victorian domestic architecture. Woodlands is a cross-gable roofed, two-story farmhouse built in 1896 by Frank Hampton, Jr. (1856-1926), the great-grandson of Wade Hampton I, who at the time of his death in 1835 was one of the wealthiest men in the country. The house was a gift to Frank Hampton’s new bride Gertrude Ruffini Elliott Gonzales. Gertrude was the sister of N.G., Ambrose E., and William E. Gonzales, who in 1891 founded The State, South Carolina’s largest and most influential newspaper. After the death of Frank Hampton, Jr. in 1926, Woodlands fell to his second son, Harry R.E. Hampton, who lived at Woodlands until his death in 1980. Harry Hampton held several positions within the family newspaper, and was a strong advocate for environmental issues. He was a pioneer in advocating the protection of natural resources against development and pollution. The wood frame house features both classical and Victorian ornamentation. The most prominent architectural features that make Woodlands distinctive-the grand two-tiered porch, large double-hung sash windows, and decorative interior woodwork-all remain particularly intact. The historic detached kitchen (1896) is situated in its original location to the rear of the house. Listed in the National Register February 1, 2006.
Period of Significance:
1896;1897
Level of Significance:
State
Area of Significance:
Architecture;Conservation
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
February 1 2006
