South Carolina Department of Archives and History
National Register Properties in South Carolina

John C. Calhoun State Office Building, Richland County (1015 Sumter St., Columbia)
S1081774015201 S1081774015202 S1081774015203 S1081774015204 S1081774015205
East Elevation East Elevation
Oblique
North Elevation South Elevation Southwest Oblique
S1081774015206 S1081774015207 S1081774015208 S1081774015209 S1081774015210
South Oblique Southeast Oblique East Elevation East Elevation
Detail of Entablature,
Cornice, Cartouches,
and Pilasters
East Elevation
Detail of Entablature,
Cornice, Cartouches,
and Pilasters
S1081774015211 S1081774015212 S1081774015213 S1081774015214 S1081774015215
Detail of Entablature,
Cornice, and Pilasters
East Elevation
Entrance
East Elelvation
Entrance, Detail of
Balustraded Hood
and Brackets
East Elevation
Lantern
Detail of Pilasters
S1081774015216 S1081774015217 S1081774015218 S1081774015219 S1081774015220
North Elevation
Detail of
Festooned
Ornamentation
North Elevation
Detail of
Palmetto Cartouche
over Central Door
East Elevation
Raised Basement
West Elevation
Wheelchair Ramp
West Elevation
Raised Basement

The John C. Calhoun State Office Building, built in 1926, is architecturally significant as an important example of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture in the capital city of South Carolina, for its association with Harold Tatum, South Carolinian architect of note, and with nationally recognized architect Milton Medary, who served as the consulting architect to the project. The Calhoun Building is also significant under Politics/Government for its association with the South Carolina State Highway Department, the Calhoun Building’s primary tenant until 1952. From 1926 to 1940, the department experienced incredible growth under the leadership of Chief Highway Commissioner Benjamin M. Sawyer. Sawyer was at the helm when the National Guard seized and occupied the Calhoun Building from October to December 1935 under the orders of Governor Olin D. Johnston. When resolved, this incident formed a legal precedent ensuring that elected officials cannot use military force to solve political or civil disputes. Listed in the National Register September 23, 2011.

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