The Horseshoe, Columbia

The Horseshoe, located at the heart of the University of South Carolina's main campus, is a historic district known for its picturesque and historically significant architecture. This area, formally recognized as the Old Campus District, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 5, 1970.

The district is renowned for its collection of buildings that predominantly reflect the Federal style of architecture, popular in the early days of the United States. Among these architectural gems is the South Caroliniana Library, designed by Robert Mills. This library holds the distinction of being the first freestanding academic library in the United States, underscoring the historical importance of The Horseshoe within the realm of American higher education.

The Horseshoe has also served as a cultural and social hub for the university. A notable event in its more recent history was the filming of MTV Unplugged featuring Hootie & the Blowfish on April 19, 1996, just before the release of their second album, Fairweather Johnson. This event highlighted The Horseshoe's role not only as a center for academic and historical significance but also as a venue for contemporary cultural activities.