Athenaeum, Moorish Revival residence in Columbia, Tennessee.
The Athenaeum is a residential house in Columbia built in Moorish Revival style that combines Gothic and Moorish architectural features. The intricate designs appear both on the exterior and throughout the interior spaces, created by architect Adolphus Heiman.
The building was completed in 1837 and first served as the rector's house for Columbia Female Institute. It later became part of the Columbia Athenaeum School, which operated until 1903.
The house played a key role in women's education in the region and shows the community's commitment to schooling. Visitors can see today how spaces were arranged for teaching and learning.
The house is located on Athenaeum Street in Columbia and can only be visited by advance arrangement. Guided tours are required to see the building and learn about its architecture and past.
The Smith family lived continuously in this house for over 130 years before donating it to the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities. This extended family occupancy makes the house an uncommon record of personal and local continuity.
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