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Columbia, SC Background
Columbia is the capital of the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2000 census, it has a population of 116,278.
It is the county seat of Richland County, but a small portion of the city is located in Lexington County.
The estimated population for the then two-county metropolitan area (Richland and Lexington) was 516,251 in 1999. In
June 2003 the United States Census Bureau added four more counties — Fairfield, Calhoun, Kershaw, and Saluda — to
Columbia’s standard metropolitan statistical area. This should give the metro area a population of about 679,456.
Fort Jackson is the largest United States Army Initial Entry (basic) training base and is located east of the city.
Columbia recently gained a world-class sporting and event arena, the Colonial Center. This is part of a revitalization
campaign which has also brought the city a new convention center located near the arena, with a new hotel and restaurants.
Columbia’s daily newspaper is The State and its principal alternative newspaper is the "Free Times." Columbia is
home to the headquarters and production facilities of ETV (and ETV Radio), the state’s public television and
public radio networks.
The city and its surroundings are served by Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Major highways serving Columbia include I-26,
I-77, I-20, I-126, U.S. 1, U.S. 21, U.S. 176, U.S. 321, and U.S. 378.
Columbia is home to the Columbia Inferno of the ECHL.
History
For nearly a century before the creation of Columbia by the General Assembly in 1786, the site of Columbia was important
to the overall development of the state. The Congarees, a frontier fort on the west bank of the Congaree River, was the
head of navigation in the Santee River system. A ferry was established by the colonial government in 1754 to connect the
fort with the growing settlements on the higher ground on the east bank.
State Senator John Lewis Gervais of Ninety Six introduced a bill that was approved by the legislature on March 22, 1786
to create a new state capital.
There was considerable argument over the name for the new city. One legislator insisted on the name Washington, but Columbia
won out by a vote of 11-7 in the state Senate.
The site was chosen as the new state capital in 1786, due to its central location in the state. State legislature first met
there in 1790. After remaining under the direct government of the legislature for the first two decades of its existence,
Columbia was incorporated as a village in 1805 and then as a city in 1854.
Columbia received a large stimulus to development when it was connected in a direct water route to Charleston, by the Santee
Canal. This canal connected the Santee and Cooper Rivers in a 22-mile section. It was first chartered in 1786 and completed
in 1800, making it one of the earliest canals in the United States. With increased railroad traffic, tt ceased operation around
1850.
The commissioners designed a town of 400 Blocks in a two-mile square along the river. The blocks were divided into half-acre
lots and sold to speculators and prospective residents. Buyers had to build a house at least 30 feet long and 18 feet wide
within three years or face an annual 5 percent penalty.
The perimeter streets and two through streets were 150 feet wide. The remaining squares were divided by thoroughfares 100 feet
wide. The width was determined by the belief that the dangerous and pesky mosquito could not fly more than 60 feet without
dying of starvation along the way.
Columbians still enjoy most of the magnificent network of wide streets.
The commissioners comprised the local government until 1797 when a Commission of Streets and Markets was created by the General
Assembly. Three main issues occupied most of their time: public drunkenness, gambling and poor sanitation.
As the second planned city in the United States, Columbia began to grow rapidly. Its population was nearing 1,000 shortly after
the turn of the century.
On February 17, 1865, during the American Civil War, much of Columbia was destroyed by fire while being occupied by Union troops
under the command of General William Tecumseh Sherman.
Controversy surrounding the burning of the city started soon after the war ended. General Sherman blamed the high winds and
retreating Confederate soldiers for firing bales of cotton, which had been stacked in the streets. General Sherman denied ordering
the burning, though he did order militarily significant structures, such as the Confederate Printing Plant, destroyed. First-hand
accounts by local residents, Union soldiers and a newspaper reporter offer a sinister tale of revenge by Union troops for
Columbia’s and South Carolina’s pivotal role in leading Southern states to secede from the Union.
Today, tourists can follow the path General Sherman’s army took to enter the city and see structures or remnants of structures
that survived the fire.
Columbia received its first charter as a town in 1805. An intendent and six wardens would govern the town. John Taylor was the
first elected intendent. He later served in both houses of the General Assembly, both houses of Congress and eventually as governor
of the state. By 1816, there were 250 homes in the town and a population over 1,000.
Columbia became chartered as a city in 1854, with an elected mayor and six aldermen. Two years later, they had a police force
consisting of a full-time chief and nine patrolmen. Growth continued, with the first annexations of the suburbs in 1870.
Columbia had no paved streets until 1908, when 17 blocks of Main Street were surfaced. There were, however, 115 publicly maintained
street crossings at intersections to keep pedestrians from having to wade through a sea of mud between wooden sidewalks.
As an experiment, Washington Street was once paved with wooden blocks. This proved to be the source of much local amusement when
they buckled and floated away during heavy rains. The blocks were replaced with asphalt paving in 1925.
The first paid firemen were hired in 1903. A car was purchased for the chief that same year, evidently the first vehicle owned by
the city.
In 1934, the federal courthouse at Main and Laurel was purchased by the city for use as City Hall. Built of granite from nearby
Winnsboro, Columbia City Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Designed by Alfred Bult Millet, President Ulysses S. Grant’s federal architect, the building was completed in 1876. Mullet,
best known for his design of the Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., had originally designed the building with a clock
tower. Large cost overruns probably caused it to be left out.
Copies of Mullet’s original drawings can be seen on the walls of City Hall alongside historic photos of Columbia’s
beginnings.
Geography
Columbia is located at 34°1ֵ" North, 81°0'38" West (34.017105, -81.010759). Autumn, winter and spring are mild, with occasional
winter nights below freezing but rarely extended cold. The city is at its most beautiful in the spring when masses of azaleas and
other spring flowers bloom. Summers can be very hot, and the city, like other cities of the southeast, is prone to atmospheric
inversions, which trap ozone and other pollutants over the area. One of Columbia’s most interesting geographical features is
its fall line, which is a boundary between an upland region and a coastal plain across which rivers from the upland region drop to
the plain as falls or rapids.
Columbia grew up at the fall line of the Congaree River which was the farthest inland point of river navigation. The energy of
falling water also powered Columbia’s early mills.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 330.8 km² (127.7 mi²). 324.3 km² (125.2 mi²) of it is
land and 6.4 km² (2.5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.95% water.
Colleges and Universities
Columbia is home to the main campus of the University of South Carolina. It is also home to:
- Benedict College
- Columbia College
- Allen University
- Columbia International University
- Midlands Technical College
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 116,278 people in the city proper, organized into 42,245 households, and 22,136 families. The
population density is 358.5/km² (928.6/mi²). There are 46,142 housing units at an average density of 142.3/km² (368.5/mi²). The
racial makeup of the city is 49.22% White, 45.98% Black or African American, 1.73% Asian, 0.25% Native American, 0.09% Pacific
Islander, 1.36% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. 3.03% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are two synagagues in Columbia which are located within a few hundred yards of each other on the same street. At last count,
there are 661 places of worship in the city.
42,245 households out of which 25.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.5% are married couples living together,
17.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 47.6% are classified as "nonfamilies", which consist of persons living
alone, roommate situations, and other non-traditional families. 37.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.8% have
someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.21 and the average family size is 2.97.
In the city the population is spread out with 20.1% under the age of 18, 22.9% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 16.6% from 45
to 64, and 10.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 29 years. For every 100 females there are 96.2 males. For
every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.4 males.
Neighborhoods
- Arsenal Hill
- Cottontown/Bellevue Historic Distict
- Earlewood
- Eau Claire
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Hills
- Granby Mill Village
- Heathwood
- Hollywood-Rose Hill
- Old Shandon
- Olympia Mill Village
- Rosewood
- Sherwood Forest
- University Hill
- Wales Garden
- Historic Waverly
- Wheeler Hill
- Yorkshire
Arts & Culture
Town Theatre is the country’s oldest community theatre in continuous use. Located a block from the University of South
Carolina campus, its playhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 1917, the theatre has produced
plays and musicals of wide general appeal.
Trustus Theatre is Columbia’s professional theatre company. Founded 10 years ago, Trustus brought a new dimension to
theatre in South Carolina’s capital city. Patrons enjoy a relaxed Soho-style setting as they watch new shows directly
from the stages of New York as well as classic shows rarely seen in Columbia.
Columbia Marionette Theatre has the distinction of being the only free standing theatre in the nation devoted entirely to
marionette arts. Young and old alike enjoy the one-of-a-kind marionette productions presented at the theatre.
The South Carolina Shakespeare Company performs the plays of Shakespeare and other classical works throughout the state.
Audiences are always full, proving the Bard’s words remain as delightful today as they did centuries ago.
The South Carolina State Museum is a comprehensive museum with exhibits in science, technology, history and the arts. It
is the state’s largest museum and one of the largest museums in the Southeast.
The Columbia Museum of Art features changing exhibits throughout the year. Located at the corner of Hampton and Main Streets,
the museum offers amazing art, lectures, films and guided tours.
EdVenture is the South’s largest children’s museum. Its state-of-the-art facility is located next to the South
Carolina State Museum on Gervais Street. This delightful museum allows children to explore and learn while having fun.
McKissick Museum is located on the University of South Carolina campus. The museum features changing exhibitions of art,
science, regional history and folk art.
The Confederate Relic Room and Museum showcases a relic collection from the Colonial period to the space age. The museum
houses a wonderful collection of relics from the South Carolina confederate period.
The Richland County Public Library, named the 2001 national Library of the Year, serves area citizens through its main
library and nine branches. The spectacular 242,000 square foot main library has an outstanding book collection, provides
reference services, utilizes innovative technology, houses a wonderful children’s collection and displays distinct
artwork.
The South Carolina State Library provides library services to all citizens of South Carolina through the interlibrary loan
service utilized by the public libraries located in each county. Individuals are also welcome to visit the State Library to
use materials from the collection.
The Columbia City Ballet is Columbia’s internationally renowned ballet. Artistic Director William Starrett, formally
of the New York City Ballet, runs the company. The Columbia City Ballet specializes in top quality productions, including a
Columbia favorite, Dracula.
The South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra is Columbia’s resident orchestra. Under the direction of Maestro Nicholas
Smith, the Philharmonic produces a full season of outstanding orchestral performances each year. World-renowned musicians
come to Columbia to perform as guest artists with the orchestra.
The Columbia City Jazz Company operates under the auspices of the Columbia City Ballet. Despite being a young company, Columbia
City Jazz has already made themselves well known locally and regionally through exhibitions at competitions and community functions.
The South Carolina Symphonic Chorale has been performing throughout the community since 1930. Under the direction of Dr.
Timothy Koch, the group strives to stimulate and broaden interest in musical activities and to actively engage in the
rehearsal and rendition of choral music.
Parks and Outdoor Recreational Opportunities
One of the best known parks in the state of South Carolina, Finlay Park has hosted just about everything from festivals and
political rallies to road races and Easter Sunrise services.
This beautiful 18-acre park has had two lives; first dedicated in 1859 as Sidney Park, named in honor of Algernon Sidney
Johnson, a Columbia City Councilman, the park experienced an illustrious but short tenure. The park fell into disrepair after
the Civil War and served as a site for commercial ventures until the late 1900’s. In 1990, the park was reopened and has
become a beautiful diamond in the downtown area, offering a green oasis in contrast to the glass, asphalt and concrete in the
urban environment. It serves as the site for such events as Kids Day, The Summer Concert Series, plus many more activities. In
1992, the park was renamed Finlay Park, in honor of Kirkman Finlay, Mayor of Columbia who had a vision to reenergize the area
known as the Vista, between Main Street and the river, and recreate the beautiful site known as Sidney Park.
Granby Park opened in November 1998 as a gateway to the rivers of Columbia, adding another access to the many river activities
available to residents. Granby is part of the Three Rivers Greenway, a system of green spaces along the banks of the rivers in
Columbia, adding another piece to the long-range plan and eventually connecting to the existing Riverfront Park . Granby is a
24 acre linear park with canoe access points, fishing spots, bridges and 1/2 mile of nature trail along the banks of the Congaree
River.
Memorial Park is a four-acre tract of land in the Congaree Vista between Main Street and the river. The property is bordered by
Hampton, Gadsden , Washington and Wayne Streets and is one block south of Finlay Park.
This park was created to serve as a memorial to those who served their county and presently has monuments honoring the USS
Columbia warship and those that served with her during WWII, the China-Burma-India Theater Veterans of WWII, causalities of
the Pearl Harbor attack of December 7, 1941 who were from South Carolina, and the State Vietnam War Veterans. The park was
dedicated in November 1986 along with the unveiling of the South Carolina Vietnam Monument . In June 2000, the Korean War
Memorial was dedicated at Memorial Park.
In the Five Points district of downtown Columbia is the park dedicated to the legacy and memory of one of the major civil rights
leaders in America, Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The park features a beautiful water sculpture and a community center.
One of Columbia’s greatest assets is Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Riverbanks is home to more than 2,000 magnificent and
fascinating animals and one of the nation’s most beautiful and inspiring botanical gardens. The lush 170-acre site features
dynamic natural habitat exhibits, scenic river views, spectacular valley overlooks and significant historic landmarks. For more
than 30 years, Riverbanks has provided individuals, families and groups with a common place to connect with and learn about the
world’s wildlife and wild places. Twice awarded the Governor’s Cup for South Carolina’s Most Outstanding Tourist
Attraction, Riverbanks is the premier family choice for education and recreation in the Southeast.
Situated along the meandering Congaree River in central South Carolina, Congaree National Park is home to champion trees, primeval
forest landscapes, and diverse plant and animal life. This 22,200-acre park protects the largest contiguous tract of old-growth
bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. Known for its giant hardwoods and towering pines, the park’s floodplain
forest includes one of the highest canopies in the world and some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States. Congaree
National Park provides a sanctuary for plants and animals, a research site for scientists, and a place for you to walk and relax
in a tranquil wilderness setting.
In November 1996, the River Alliance proposed that a 12-mile linear park system be created to link people to their rivers. This
was named the Three Rivers Greenway, and the $18 million estimated cost was agreed to by member governments (the cities of Cayce,
Columbia, and West Columbia) with the proviso that the Alliance recommend an acceptable funding strategy.
While the funding process was underway, an existing City of Columbia site located on the Congaree River offered an opportunity to
be a pilot project for the Three Rivers Greenway. The Alliance was asked to design and permit for construction by a general
contractor this component. This approximately one-half mile segment of the system was opened in November 1998. It is complete
with 8-foot wide concrete pathways, vandal-proof lighting, trash receptacles, water fountains, picnic benches, overlooks, bank
fishing access, canoe/kayak access, a public restroom and parking. These set the standards for the common elements in the rest
of the system. Eventually, pathways will run from Granby to the Riverbanks Zoo. Boaters, sportsmen, fishermen will have access
to the area, and additional recreational uses are being planned along the miles of riverfront.
Festivals
The South Carolina State Fair is held annually in Columbia in the month of October. Rides, food and games attract local and widespread
attendants. Exhibits featuring art, crafts, flowers and livestock cover the fairgrounds.
St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Five Points is certainly a Columbia favorite. Held each March, this event features live bands, arts and
crafts and a smorgasbord of tasty delights.
Riverfest Celebration is an annual festival held in early spring. The celebration includes a 5K River Run, musical entertainment, arts
and crafts and food vendors.
Earth Day at Finaly Park is held each spring. This event brings together environmental booths and vendors as well as traditional
festival favorites.
Three Rivers Music Festival is a three-day event that provides a wide array of national and regional musical acts. The festival also
offers a variety of foods and beverages to enjoy while listening to the music.
The Greek Festival is held annually in September at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Columbia. Traditional Greek dances,
ceremonies, music, theatre, food and beverages are all part of this four-day festival.
The Irmo Okra Strut is a two-day festival held during the last weekend in September. The festival features a street dance, 10K road
race, golf tournament, arts and crafts, rides, food and South Carolina’s largest festival parade.
Main Street Jazz brings world-renowned performers to Columbia each spring. Elegant dining is available on Main Street to compliment
the music of some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians.
Vista Lights is held each year in Mid-November. Open house walking tours and receptions, entertainment by local musicians and carriage
rides through Columbia’s antique district are all highlights of this festival.
Jubilee: Festival of Heritage is a one-day event held at the historic Mann-Sims Cottage to recognize African-American heritage. The
festival includes arts and crafts, storytelling and music and dance performances.
Venues
The Colonial Center, which opened in 2002, is Columbia’s premiere arena and entertainment facility. Seating 18,000 for college
basketball, it is the largest arena in the state of South Carolina and the tenth largest on-campus basketball facility in the nation,
serving as the home of the men’s and women’s USC Gamecocks basketball teams. Located on the beautiful University of South
Carolina campus, this one-of-a-kind facility features 41 suites, four Entertainment Suites, and the Frank McGuire Club, a full-service
hospitality room that will have a capacity of 300. The state-of-the-art facility also features plush seating, a technologically advanced
sound system, and a four-sided video scoreboard.
The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, which opened in September 2004, is a 142,500 square foot, modern, state-of-the-art facility
designed to host a variety of meetings and conventions. Located in the historic Congaree Vista district, this facility is close to
restaurants, antique and specialty shops, art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife. The main exhibit hall contains almost 25,000 square
feet of space; the Columbia Ballroom over 18,000 square feet; and the five meeting rooms ranging in size from 1500 to 4000 square feet
add another 15,000 square feet of space. The facility is located next to the Colonial Center.
Williams-Brice Stadium is the home of the USC Gamecocks football team and is one of the largest college football stadiums in the nation.
It seats 80,250 persons and is located just south of downtown Columbia. The stadium was built in 1934 with help of federal Works Progress
Administration funds and initially seated 17,600. The original name was Carolina Stadium but on September 9, 1972 it was renamed to honor
the families Williams and Brice. Mrs. Martha Williams-Brice had left much of her estate to the University for stadium renovations and
expansions. Her late husband, Thomas H. Brice played football for the University from 1922 to 1924.
The Koger Center for the Arts provides Columbia with theatre, music and dance performances from around the world. The facility seats 2,500
persons. The center is named for philanthropists Ira and Nancy Koger, who made a substantial donation from personal and corporate funds
for construction of the $15 million center. The first performance at the Koger Center was given by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and
took place on Saturday, January 14, 1989. The facility is known for hosting diverse events, from The State of the State Address to the
South Carolina Body Building Championship, and the South Carolina Science Fair.
The Carolina Coliseum, which opened in 1968, is a 12,400-seat facility which initially served as the home of the USC Gamecocks basketball
teams. The arena is also easily adapted to serve other entertainment purposes, including concerts, car shows, circuses, ice shows, and
other popular events. The versatility and quality of the Coliseum also have allowed the University to use the facility for performing arts
events such as the Boston Pops, Chicago Symphony, Feld Ballet and other performances by important artists. An acoustical shell and a
state-of-the-art lighting system assist the Coliseum in presenting such activities.
The Township Auditorium seats 3,200 persons and is located in downtown Columbia. It hosts a variety of events, including plays, concerts,
musicals, and many other types of shows.
Source: wikipedia.org
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