Mann-Simons Cottage, Columbia

The Mann-Simons Cottage holds a rich and evolving history that mirrors the experiences of its owners over nearly two centuries. Originally built as a modest one-room house around 1825 or 1830, the cottage stands at the corner of Marion and Richland streets. Over time, it expanded to meet the changing needs and tastes of its residents, reflecting broader social and cultural shifts.

Celia Mann, a native of Charleston born into slavery in 1799, is a pivotal figure in the cottage's history. Although the details of her emancipation remain unknown, family lore recounts that she walked from Charleston to Columbia, where she worked as a midwife. Records indicate that Mann was associated with the property as early as 1844. Her resilience and determination are emblematic of the struggles and achievements of free Black individuals in the antebellum South.

Mann's legacy continued through her family. She had four daughters, but she bequeathed the majority of her property, including the cottage, to her youngest daughter, Agnes Jackson. Agnes and her family resided there until her death in 1907. Subsequent owners included Charles Simons and his wife Amanda Green Simons. The cottage eventually came into the possession of their niece, Bernice Robinson Connors, who sold it to the Columbia Housing Authority in 1970.

A grassroots movement in 1970 played a crucial role in preserving the Mann-Simons Cottage as a historic site. Thanks to these efforts, the cottage opened as a house museum in 1978. Today, it stands as a testament to the African American experience in the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and legacy of Celia Mann and her descendants.