Columbia, South Carolina
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| Columbia, South Carolina | |
|---|---|
| Name | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Settlement type | Capital city |
| Nickname | "Soda City" |
| Motto | "Justitia Virtutum Regina" (Justice, Queen of Virtues) |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | South Carolina |
| Subdivision type2 | Counties |
| Subdivision name2 | Richland, Lexington |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1787 |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Daniel Rickenmann |
| Area total sq mi | 136.78 |
| Population total | 136,632 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Coordinates | 34, 0, 2, N... |
| Elevation ft | 292 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 29201, 29203–29206, 29209–29212, 29214–29225, 29229, 29292 |
| Area code | 803, 839 |
| Website | www.columbiasc.gov |
Columbia, South Carolina. As the capital and second-largest city of South Carolina, it serves as the political, cultural, and economic heart of the state. Founded in 1787 as a planned capital, it is located at the confluence of the Saluda River and Broad River, which form the Congaree River. The city is home to the flagship campus of the University of South Carolina and Fort Jackson, one of the United States Army's largest training installations.
History
The city was established by the South Carolina General Assembly to replace Charleston as the state capital, with its design influenced by Thomas Jefferson and planned by John Senf. During the American Civil War, it was a major supply center for the Confederate States Army and was burned by Union Army forces under William Tecumseh Sherman in February 1865, an event known as the Burning of Columbia. The city's reconstruction in the late 19th century saw the rise of institutions like the University of South Carolina and the construction of the South Carolina State House. The 20th century brought significant growth with the establishment of Fort Jackson during World War I and its expansion during World War II, alongside the development of the Columbia Canal and the rise of the textile industry.
Geography
Situated in the Midlands region, it lies at the fall line of the Piedmont and Atlantic coastal plain. The primary waterways are the Saluda River, Broad River, and Congaree River, with the Columbia Canal providing historic hydropower. Notable geographic features include Lake Murray to the northwest and the vast Congaree National Park to the southeast, which protects one of the last old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in North America. The city's terrain is characterized by rolling hills and river valleys, with a humid subtropical climate.
Demographics
According to the 2020 United States Census, the population was 136,632, with a diverse racial and ethnic composition. The metropolitan area, encompassing Richland and Lexington counties, is home to over 800,000 residents. Major population centers within the area include the neighborhoods of Shandon, Forest Acres, and Five Points. The presence of Fort Jackson, the University of South Carolina, and state government agencies contributes to a highly transient and educated populace.
Economy
The economy is anchored by state government, higher education, and healthcare, with major employers including the State of South Carolina, the University of South Carolina, and Prisma Health. The United States Army installation at Fort Jackson is a significant economic driver. Other key sectors include insurance, with companies like BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, and manufacturing, represented by facilities for Mack Trucks and SCANA. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport and interstates I-20, I-26, and I-77 facilitate regional commerce.
Culture
The city hosts numerous cultural institutions, including the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina State Museum, and the Nickelodeon Theatre. Annual events such as the South Carolina State Fair, the St. Patrick's Day in Five Points festival, and the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden's holiday lights draw large crowds. It is a center for performing arts, home to the South Carolina Philharmonic and the Trustus Theatre. The University of South Carolina's Williams-Brice Stadium and Colonial Life Arena are major venues for South Carolina Gamecocks athletics and concerts.
Government
It operates under a mayor–council system, with the current mayor being Daniel Rickenmann. The legislative body is the Columbia City Council, consisting of members elected from four districts and three at-large seats. As the state capital, it houses the South Carolina State House, the South Carolina Supreme Court, and the offices of the Governor of South Carolina. The city also contains federal facilities, including the Matthew J. Perry Jr. Courthouse and offices for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Education
The city is served by Richland School District One and Richland School District Two, along with several private institutions like Hammond School and Cardinal Newman School. Higher education is dominated by the University of South Carolina, with its flagship campus located in the downtown area. Other notable institutions include Benedict College, Allen University, Columbia College, and Midlands Technical College. The city is also home to specialized schools such as the South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics and the University of South Carolina School of Law.