Shandon

The vibrant neighborhood of Shandon, once rolling farmland, has evolved into a thriving, multi-generational community. The name "Shandon" was reportedly inspired by Shandon, Ireland, and chosen to appeal to R.W. Shand, president of the Columbia Land and Investment Company, which began purchasing land in the area in 1890[4]. 

In 1893, the Columbia Land and Investment Company laid out streets and sidewalks in the area that would become Shandon[3]. The extension of the Columbia Electric Street Railway into the suburb in 1894 provided streetcars to the vicinity and built a public pavilion and park near Harden Street, encouraging growth and land sales[3][5].

Shandon was incorporated as its own town in 1904 and later annexed to the city of Columbia in 1913[3][5]. The development of streetcar lines continued to encourage suburban growth in the Shandon area, including Shandon Annex (1906), South Shandon (1910), and Shandon Terrace (1919)[5].

The architectural styles in Shandon date from about 1895 to the present[5]. The neighborhood features a variety of styles, including Craftsman-style bungalows, cottages, two-story American Foursquares, and Colonial revivals[4]. Many of the homes were built in the first half of the 20th century, maintaining their classic character even with additions and upgrades[4].

Today, Shandon is home to a mix of historical homes reflecting over 100 years of architectural heritage, as well as newer structures. The neighborhood is known for its wide, tree-lined streets that create a park-like setting[2]. It's conveniently located near Columbia's businesses and cultural attractions, with Devine Street, a major thoroughfare through Shandon, hosting upscale boutiques and locally-owned restaurants[4]. 

Shandon remains a desirable residential area, attracting families with its historic charm, proximity to urban amenities, and strong sense of community. The neighborhood continues to be a beautiful and sought-after place to call home in Columbia, South Carolina.

Sources

[1] Old Shandon - Historic Columbia https://www.historiccolumbia.org/online-tours/old-shandon

[2] Lieut Robert Wallace Shand (1840-1915) - Mémorial Find a Grave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64091974/robert-wallace-shand

[3] Second Sunday Stroll: Old Shandon - One Columbia https://www.onecolumbiasc.com/event/second-sunday-stroll-old-shandon-2/

[4] Shandon Neighborhood - Columbia - The Moore Company https://themoorecompany.com/neighborhoods/shandon/

[5] Shandon - The Historical Marker Database https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=30391

[6] [PDF] Eau Claire Historic Resources Survey City of Columbia https://scdah.sc.gov/sites/scdah/files/Documents/Historic%20Preservation%20%28SHPO%29/Research/Historic%20Contexts/EauClaire2018.pdf

[7] History of Shandon - Shandon Neighborhood - Columbia, SC https://shandonneighborhood.org/history/