The Hampton-Preston Mansion is the substantial city home of General Wade Hampton, Confederate leader who became one of the state's most popular governors.
The mansion was built about 1818. After Wade Hampton I bought the property in 1823, he altered the house considerably. At his death in 1835, Wade Hampton I was reported to be the wealthiest man in the United States. Hampton's daughter and son-in-law moved into the house after his death. After a short stint as the governor's mansion, the house became the College for Women and later Chicora College. These institutions occupied the property for forty years. After their departure in 1930, the house gradually fell into disrepair. Restored in 1969, the mansion opened in 1970 as an historic house museum.
The home is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 10:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m., and Sunday from 1:15 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. Admission tickets are sold at Robert Mills House gift shop, 1616 Blanding Street.
