Woodrow Wilson Family Home, Columbia

The Woodrow Wilson Family Home is a beautifully preserved Victorian-era residence that once belonged to the family of the 28th President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson. The home originally belonged to his parents, Dr. Joseph Ruggles Wilson and Jeannie Woodrow Wilson, and it is filled with art, furniture, photographs, and other artifacts from the 1850s to the 1870s. The property also features a meticulously designed garden; the back garden, used for growing fruits and vegetables, and the front yard, adorned with flowers, were both laid out by Jeannie Woodrow Wilson, reflecting the domestic life of the period.

Today, the Woodrow Wilson Family Home is more than just a historic residence; it houses the Museum of the Reconstruction Era, the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the post-Civil War Reconstruction period. This museum is housed in South Carolina's only remaining presidential site, making it a unique landmark in American history. The Museum of the Reconstruction Era offers a comprehensive interpretation of Columbia’s late 19th-century history, aiming to correct the many misconceptions about the Reconstruction period that have persisted over time.

By focusing on this transformative period, the museum helps visitors understand the challenges and advancements that shaped the modern United States. The museum's goal is to dispel prevalent myths and provide a nuanced view of Reconstruction, emphasizing its importance in American history. Visitors can explore the preserved Victorian home, appreciate the period artifacts, and engage with the thoughtfully curated exhibits that shed light on an often-overlooked chapter of American history.