South Carolina Military Museum, Columbia

The South Carolina Military Museum is a dedicated tribute to the state's rich martial heritage, encompassing its historical origins in 1670 and its contemporary global military engagements. Through an extensive collection of authentic artifacts, exhibits, and displays, this institution provides an engaging narrative of South Carolina's militia history, its evolution into the National Guard, and its vital current role as a reserve component and force multiplier for the United States Army and Air Force.

Visitors to the museum will be immersed in a diverse array of genuine military items, including firearms, edged weapons, uniforms, ordnance, artillery, and armored vehicles. These tangible remnants vividly bring historical events to life. Notable highlights among these artifacts are the Columbiad Cannon, once a guardian of Charleston Harbor, an AH-64A Apache Cockpit and Weapons Trainer, and the H-13B "Sioux" Helicopter with the distinction of being serial number one. Additionally, the museum proudly houses the M48A1 "Patton" Tank, a WWII-era German Schwimmwagen tailored for amphibious operations, unique Type II Blakely Rifled Cannons, an F-104 downward-firing ejection seat, and a rare collection of South Carolina swords and sabers.

Setting itself apart from other institutions, the South Carolina Military Museum is the exclusive repository of authentic artifacts spanning every significant era of South Carolina's military past. Whether recounting early clashes with the Spanish in the "new world" or modern missions against the Taliban in Afghanistan, the museum reverently honors all South Carolinians who have worn the uniform. Their history, undeniably intertwined with our collective heritage, is meticulously safeguarded by the South Carolina Military Museum for the enduring benefit of future generations.