The property is named in honor of Robert Mills, who designed the structure in 1823, also known as the Ainsley Hall House. I stopped into the gift shop in late November while in town collecting stories for my book. It was initially intended to serve as a lavish townhome for Ainsley and Sarah Hall. Mr. Hall died before the project was completed, and Mrs. Hall, facing litigation, was forced to sell the property. It would eventually be used as a campus for three religious schools, including Columbia Bible College.
Some believe that the spirit of Mrs. Hall may still walk the halls of the old home today. According to southernspiritguide.org, “It is believed to be her spirit that leaves impressions on the bed in one of the second-floor bedrooms.”
The Mills House sits at 1616 Blanding Street in Columbia, South Carolina.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.
Image By: John G. Clark Jr
