The World War I Memorial, constructed circa 1935 on the campus of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, is a distinguished example of Classical Revival memorial architecture. Designed by the local architectural firm of Lafaye and Lafaye, the building features a monumental temple-like form, massive limestone construction, a columned façade, and classical decorative elements including carved medallions, laurel motifs, and memorial inscriptions. Its formal design and substantial materials convey the civic and commemorative character intended for a memorial honoring South Carolinians who served during the First World War.

The memorial was the result of a long campaign begun after the war, with funding ultimately provided through private subscriptions and a Public Works Administration grant. Completed in 1935, it was dedicated to the men and women of South Carolina who offered their lives during the conflict. The building served as the home of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History from 1935 to 1960 before subsequent university and museum uses. The World War I Memorial remains an important Columbia landmark, documenting both the state’s commemoration of wartime service and the architectural ideals of the 1930s.