Detail of the 1928 Tomlinson Engineering Co. map of Columbia. Image courtesy of South Caroliniana Library, USC, Columbia
So goes the famous riddle, “What gets larger the more you take away from it?” The answer, of course, is a hole. It seems the bigger the hole, the more interest people have in them. There is something about how they came to be that intrigues passersby. Others wonder, “How deep is it?” Some ask, “What could fit in a something that big?” These and other questions have been pondered by many generations of Columbians who have lived their whole lives not far from a massive quarry on the east side of the Congaree River. Within close proximity of the former textile community of Olympia, this sprawling granite mine is both a breathtaking sight and a noteworthy historic site.
While well situated atop a large granite outcrop, Columbia was slow to exploit this important natural resource. In fact, some historians point to the construction of the “new” State House, begun in 1856, as the catalyst for granite mining in the capital city. What began as an operation intended to supply the largest public works project in the city with much-needed durable materials for a fireproof structure later grew to supply other needs throughout the state, including jetties along waterways and street pavers, and to a lesser degree, building materials for other structures. The Tomlinson Engineering Company’s map of Columbia, drawn in 1928, illustrates that early quarry, as well as its successor, then known as the Palmetto Quarry but today operated by Vulcan Materials. ( The map also features the Weston & Brooker Quarry located on the west side of the Congaree River.)
Many citizens of and visitors to Columbia can appreciate the immensity of Vulcan’s quarry when flying into the city. However, while this birds’ eye view is impressive, few could argue to truly fathom the size and depth of the granite quarry, the best perspective is on foot. I speak from personal experience, as last year two fellow Historic Columbia staff members and I joined hundreds of other runners in a unique event, the Quarry Crusher Run.
After a short run starting in front of the Granby Mill, we plunged 399 feet into the ground. At the bottom, I slowed my pace albeit briefly to gawk at the sheer volume before me and the occasional scrub tree and small waterfalls sprouting from the massive stone faces. Then, we had to make the far slower trek out of this man-made wonder. This weekend, others will have the same opportunity to stare in wonder about this mine that began in the 1880s and has grown each year in enormity. The only difference is that their experience will last a little longer for the simple reason that the hole has gotten deeper!
To learn more about historic sites in Columbia or Richland County or to tour the historic house museums under the stewardship of Historic Columbia, visit historiccolumbia.org.
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