Columbia SC Ghost Tour: More than spooks!
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My daughter, a history nut who likes a good spooky story, and I were hosted recently for a Columbia, SC ghost tour with US Ghost Adventures. We had a blast hearing stories of Columbia’s history with a bit of a ghostly bent.
Read all about it, and look for our discount code for our awesome readers to save 10% on your Columbia SC Ghost Tour!
Alas, no ghosts joined us, but it didn’t matter. As promised, our tour was “hauntingly fun!”
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Spooky fun on our Columbia ghost tour!
Our Columbia ghost tour began at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, across the street from the State Capitol in the heart of downtown Columbia.
Read More: Best things to do in Columbia, South Carolina
Our guide, Hayden, could not be missed! He was dressed head to toe in period Civil War attire. He greeted us, offered paranormal detector equipment to rent, and then gave us an overview of what to expect.
Hayden began our tour telling us about sweet Elizabeth who haunts the cathedral. Her husband fought for the confederacy and she prayed daily for him at the church. He did not make it home. Her son, too, was killed, accused of being a Union spy. Her life in tatters, she mourns the loss to this day.
From there, Hayden took us through the grave yard at the church and shared stories of some who are buried there.
My daughter was particularly enthralled by the life and death of Henry Timrod. He was a reporter but was too unhealthy to report on the war. So, he became a war poet eventually penning the poem, A Common Thought, a poem foreshadowing his own death.
Hayden shared many other intriguing stories as we strolled through the cemetery before heading nearby toward the University of South Carolina campus.
I don’t want to give away the whole tour, but here are a few more tidbits to whet your appetite!
- The USC buildings that surround the campus “Horseshoe” were used as hospitals during the Civil War partly because of the nearby railroad hub.
- The “Legend of the Three Eyed Man” outside Longstreet Theater lives on more than 70 years after its first report.
- The Capitol Building Dome was designed by Robert Mills, who also designed the asylum on Bull Street.
Tips to enjoy your Columbia Ghost Tour
The Columbia Ghost Tour begins at dusk, meeting in front of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. There’s ample free parking after 7:00 p.m.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early! The tour starts at the scheduled time. Arrive at least 15 minutes early so you don’t miss out on the first part of the tour.
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The tour is just over a mile in length, on relatively level land. But, the sidewalks are sometimes uneven, so this isn’t the place for those stilettos!
Dress for the weather! From May to September, Columbia is “famously hot.” Even after dark, the humidity keeps temperatures up. Evening pop up showers are common, so check your weather app and bring an umbrella if there’s a good chance of rain.
Bring your water bottle. The tour is only an hour long, so you might not need a water bottle, but they are allowed on the tour. Bring one if you want!
Turn off your ringer. As a courtesy to others — and for your own enjoyment — turn off your phone or set it to silent during the tour so that everyone can hear the guide.
See Also: Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens in Columbia
Booking your Columbia Ghost Tour
The Columbia Ghost Tour has to be booked online. Use this link and our exclusive 10% discount code, FAMILY10, to book your tour today!
Sometimes same day tours are available, but it’s best to book at least a few days in advance. In fall and spring, book earlier due to higher demand.
Remember, comfy shoes, arrive 15 minutes early and enjoy your Columbia ghost tour! It’s lots of fun… and informative, too!