Here’s how to score a victory at Historic Happy Hour’s trivia night

In honor of the Hampton-Preston Mansion’s 200th anniversary, Historic Columbia wants to see how much you really know about the city we call home. On Friday, Jan. 26, Historic Columbia is gathering history buffs and competition seekers for Historic Happy Hour, a litany of drinks, snacks and – best of all – bicentennial trivia.

Guests can expect three rounds of epic trivia related to all the goings-on in the nation, city and state in 1818, the year Ainsley Hall built the mansion. (Write that down.) Teams will test their historic knowledge – from life on an urban estate to the national political stage.

“In nearly 200 years of American history, 1818 is bound to have some skeletons in its closet,” said James Quint, Historic Columbia’s director of education, “While researching, Historic Columbia uncovered many of the lesser-known, fascinating and quirky events that shaped the lives of those in and around Hampton-Preston.”

Ready to win, trivia nerds? Go Columbia presents the ultimate quiz to help you prep for the big night.

1. Which family owned the most land in Columbia in 1818?

A. The Herbemonts.

B. The Calhouns.

C. The Taylors.

2. What was the main material used in the structure that served as the South Carolina State House in 1818?

A. Brick.

B. Stone.

C. Wood.

3. Approximately how many students attended South Carolina College in 1818?

A. 100.

B. 300.

C. 500.

4. Which man, the son of a general during the American Revolution and cousin of John C. Calhoun, served as governor of South Carolina in 1818?

A. John Rutledge.

B. Charles Pinckney.

C. Andrew Pickens Jr.

5. In 1818, Madeira wine was a popular drink consumed by wealthy Columbians. Which country owned the islands off of Africa where this wine was made?

A. Spain.

B. Portugal.

C. Italy.

6. What popular clothing store opened its doors in 1818? This store also happens to be the oldest men’s clothier in the United States.

A. Macy’s.

B. Brooks Brothers.

C. Banana Republic.

7. Which first lady, the first to live in the White House, died of typhoid fever on Oct. 28, 1818?

A. Dolley Madison.

B. Martha Washington.

C. Abigail Adams.

8. In 1818, English hematologist James Blundell invented this procedure, which is used to save women during childbirth and successfully saved at least two soldiers on the battlefield during the Civil War.

A. Blood transfusion.

B. Appendectomy.

C. Coronary bypass.

9. What chemical compound was discovered in 1818?

A. Sodium chloride.

B. Hydrogen peroxide.

C. Sulfuric acid.

10. In 1818, Jose de San Martin and Bernardo O’Higgins helped to lead which country to independence from Spain?

A. Haiti.

B. Chile.

C. Bolivia.

As a refresher before the Happy Hour, here are some other ways you can come prepared.

▪ Take a tour of the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens. Daily tours are offered at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Visit historiccolumbia.org to plan your visit.

▪ Read history books, including “Columbia and Richland County: A South Carolina Community, 1740-1990” by John Hammond Moore.

▪ Spend some time researching online. The 1818 Wikipedia page has a lot of useful information.

Historic Happy Hour is one of a series of events happening throughout 2018, alongside major restoration at the Hampton-Preston mansion. The property is undergoing a significant transformation, including enhancements to the historic gardens, new interpretations that will help tell more inclusive stories of the building’s history, and structural repairs. The work will be unveiled at the 200th anniversary celebration on Saturday, May 19.