Secluded amid towering pine, oak, and cypress trees along winding streets lined with ivy-colored stone walls and wrought iron garden gates, Heathwood has long been considered one of Columbia's premiere residential communities.

Originally the family estate of Moses Chappelle Heath, an early 20th Century cotton broker, the Heathwood mansion and grounds occupied the 130 acres that now is home to nearly 400 families.

In the early years of the 20th century, a number of homes were built around the estate. One home on Heathwood Circle is listed on the U.S. Register of Historic Places. Another, the home of the late S. C. Governor and Secretary of State James F. Byrnes, is now owned by the University of South Carolina.

In 1923, Heathwood was annexed into the City of Columbia. By 1938, with the growth of the city. Dreher High School was built and new homes began to spring up in the neighborhood.

In 1950, the Heath mansion was sold and converted into Heathwood Hall Episcopal School which operated at the location until the early 1970's. In 1974, the mansion was destroyed and several new homes were built.

During the 1970's and 80's, neighbors began to meet informally to discuss community issues and share common concerns. A Crime Watch was formed and a series of "back-yard meetings," block parties and "Ho, Ho, Ho's,", the neighbors' name for recurring holiday events, began to help the neighborhood organize.

As a result of renewed interest in preservation of the neighborhood, residents united to form the Historic Heathwood Neighborhood Association. They also joined the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods. Neighborhood Co-Presidents, Sam and Mary Waters continue the tradition of neighborhood block parties including an annual holiday party on Albion Road.