Mann-Simons Cottage, Columbia

Mann-Simons Cottage, Columbia

The Mann-Simons Cottage holds a rich and evolving history that mirrors the experiences of its owners over nearly two centuries. Originally built as a modest one-room house around 1825 or 1830, the cottage stands at the corner of Marion and Richland streets. Over time, it expanded to meet the changing needs and tastes of its residents, reflecting broader social and cultural shifts.

Celia Mann, a native of Charleston born into slavery in 1799, is a pivotal figure in the cottage's history. Although the details of her emancipation remain unknown, family lore recounts that she walked from Charleston to Columbia, where she worked as a midwife. Records indicate that Mann was associated with the property as early as 1844. Her resilience and determination are emblematic of the struggles and achievements of free Black individuals in the antebellum South.

Mann's legacy continued through her family. She had four daughters, but she bequeathed the majority of her property, including the cottage, to her youngest daughter, Agnes Jackson. Agnes and her family resided there until her death in 1907. Subsequent owners included Charles Simons and his wife Amanda Green Simons. The cottage eventually came into the possession of their niece, Bernice Robinson Connors, who sold it to the Columbia Housing Authority in 1970.

A grassroots movement in 1970 played a crucial role in preserving the Mann-Simons Cottage as a historic site. Thanks to these efforts, the cottage opened as a house museum in 1978. Today, it stands as a testament to the African American experience in the 19th and early 20th centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and legacy of Celia Mann and her descendants.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Columbia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Mann-Simons Cottage on Map

Sight Name: Mann-Simons Cottage
Sight Location: Columbia, USA (See walking tours in Columbia)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Columbia, South Carolina

Create Your Own Walk in Columbia

Create Your Own Walk in Columbia

Creating your own self-guided walk in Columbia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Columbia Introduction Walking Tour

Columbia Introduction Walking Tour

Columbia, the capital and largest city of South Carolina is a treasure trove of historical significance, cultural wealth, and Southern charm. The city's history is marked by its role in the American Civil War. This historical backdrop sets the stage for Columbia’s many landmarks and educational institutions that speak volumes of its resilience and cultural evolution.

In May 1540, a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historical Houses and Buildings Walk

Historical Houses and Buildings Walk

Columbia is a city rich in history and architectural heritage, boasting an array of old-time buildings that offer a window into its storied past. From grand antebellum mansions and elegant townhouses to significant public edifices and modest residences, each of these structures tells a unique story, reflecting the diverse cultural, social, and economic tapestry of the city.

Among such, the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles