Founded in 1896 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Museum is the oldest museum in the Columbia area. The museum focuses on South Carolina military history from the Revolutionary War to the present, emphasizing South Carolina's Confederate era. A nationally known Civil War flag collection, a significant South Carolina uniform collection, and a growing weapons collection are included in the historical archives collection. This museum includes weapons and trappings from the American Revolution and after, with an emphasis on the Confederate era. Included are clothing, flags, newspapers, pictures, and other artifacts.

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The museum is open the first and third Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Sunday and Monday.