State Fairgrounds

Front: The S.C. State Fair was founded in 1856 by the State Agricultural Society. The fair was held at the fairgrounds on Elmwood Ave. near downtown Columbia 1856-1861, then suspended by the Civil War. The State Agricultural & Mechanical Society revived the fair in 1869; it stayed on Elmwood Ave. until 1903, when the society acquired 100 acres here for its “thoroughly modern” fairgrounds. The first State Fair held at this location opened in October 1904. Reverse: The S.C. State Fair, with exhibits and competitions, attractions and rides, and musical and other acts, has been held here every fall since 1904 except during World War I in 1918. Other events are held year-round. A highlight from 1904 to 1959 was “Big Thursday,” the football game between the University of S.C. and Clemson University. The “rocket” near the North Gate, a U.S. Air Force missile given to the City of Columbia, has been an icon here since 1969.