The Horseshoe
Opening up to Sumter Street, both in design and spirit at the heart of campus, is the Horseshoe. It is made up of 11 buildings, 10 of which date back to the early 1800s. These buildings include Rutledge College, the first building on campus, and the President's House. In the center of the Horseshoe stands the Maxcy Monument, named after the college's first president Jonathan Maxcy. The monument was built by Robert Mills, the same architect that constructed the Washington National Monument. The Horseshoe is often peppered with students sprawled on blankets studying in the sun and houses various events such as concerts and ceremonies.
Longstreet Theatre
The Longstreet Theatre is located at the corner of Sumter Street and Greene Street. Built in 1855 and remodeled in 1976, the building borrows its name from former college president Augustus B. Longstreet. The theatre, now four stories tall, is used for a variety of dance and theatre performances. Seating surrounds the circular shaped, hydraulic stage with an accompanying special effects sounds system. A list of upcoming performances can be found at www.artsandsciences.sc.edu/thea/mainstageseason.
Thomas Cooper Library
The Thomas Cooper Library was opened in 1976 as an addition to the original undergraduate library. The library is a total of seven stories high, with four of the stories underground. With the additions, the library is now a total of 289,000 square feet, and all of the shelving lined up side by side would measure to be approximately 45 miles long. It is a common place for students to study at all times of the day and can hold up to 2,531 students.
Thomas Cooper Fountain
In front of the Thomas Cooper library stands the fountain, added during the reconstruction of the library during the 1970s. The tinkling, shimmering cascades of water provide a soothing backdrop for students who prefer to study outdoors or simply laze about on the benches.
Torchbearer Statue
The Torchbearer Statue located outside the Wardlaw College of Education was donated to the University of South Carolina by artist Anna Hyatt Huntington. The Torchbearer represents someone who imparts knowledge, truth or inspiration to others.