Field Course to Explore the History and
Geology of the rural Cooperative System for
SC and SC State House, Columbia, SC
Journey to Columbia and meet with Santee Cooper’s Government Relations team for an overview and history of South Carolina’s Cooperative System. After an engaging presentation a brief lunch will be provided and then we will walk over to the South Carolina State House for an extensive tour that includes multiple layers of history, geology, and suspense. After the tour, attendees are free to explore on their own.
Date: Friday, August 21, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to ~2 p.m.
Field Course Leaders: Melanie Goings, P.G., Santee Cooper; Adam Mims, MEM, Santee Cooper; Yvette Rowland, Santee Cooper
Event: Field course to explore the history of the SC Cooperative Electric System and geology of the SC State House in Columbia, South Carolina.
Details: The presentation of SC Cooperative System History and tour of the SC State House will be led by Yvette Rowland, who will provide a history of Cooperative System; how they support other rural regions and provide vital economic relief and development; and how they receive and distribute electrical power to customers. A tour of the SC State House will proceed the presentation and a detailed visit including history of its construction and geology of the stone used and geographical location to support its structural significance through history. This discussion will include some of the geology and hydrogeology of the area and how it was conducive to the State House.
Location: The field course starts at the Truist Building SC Power Team Office at 1201 Main Street, Suite 1710 in Columbia and ends at the SC State House at 1100 Gervais Street in Columbia.
Cost: $20, includes bottled water, snacks, and a lunch in the SC Power Team Office.
Restrictions: A head count of 25 will be our available maximum capacity for this presentation and site visit/tour.
Registration: Register via email to Adam Mims or Melanie Goins.
Reservation deadline: 5 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2026
Continuing Education Credits: Four hours for South Carolina geology boards