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Richland County, South Carolina

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Richland County, South Carolina
CountyRichland County
StateSouth Carolina
Founded1799
SeatColumbia
Largest cityColumbia
Area total sq mi771
Area land sq mi757
Area water sq mi14
Population as of2020
Population total416,147
Population density sq miauto
Time zoneEastern
Named for"rich land"
District2nd
District26th

Richland County, South Carolina is a county located in the central part of the state, with its county seat and largest city being the state capital, Columbia. Established in 1799, the county is a major political, economic, and cultural hub for South Carolina. It is home to numerous state government institutions, major universities, and significant historical sites from the American Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.

History

The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Congaree before European settlement. Richland County was officially formed in 1799 from parts of the surrounding Fairfield and Clarendon districts, with its name derived from the "rich land" of the region. The county's development was heavily influenced by its selection as the site for the new state capital, Columbia, following the American Revolutionary War. During the American Civil War, the county was a significant Confederate supply center, and much of Columbia was burned by Union Army forces under William Tecumseh Sherman in 1865. The 20th century saw growth through military investment with Fort Jackson and activism during the Civil Rights Movement, including the landmark case Briggs v. Elliott.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 771 square miles, of which 757 square miles is land and 14 square miles is water. The primary waterway is the Congaree River, which forms part of the western border with Lexington County. The county lies within the Sandhills region and features terrain ranging from rolling hills to floodplains. It is bordered by Kershaw County to the north, Sumter County and Calhoun County to the southeast, and Fairfield County to the northeast. A significant portion of the Congaree National Park, a UNESCO-designated International Biosphere Reserve, extends into the county.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 416,147, making it the second-most populous county in the state after Greenville County. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant African American and White American populations. The county has seen steady growth, influenced by its status as a government and education center. Major population centers include Columbia, Forest Acres, and Dentsville. Institutions like the University of South Carolina and Fort Jackson contribute to a transient and young adult demographic.

Government and politics

Richland County operates under a council-administrator form of government. The county is part of South Carolina's 2nd and 6th congressional districts, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Joe Wilson and Jim Clyburn, respectively. It is a Democratic stronghold in state politics, consistently supporting Democratic candidates in presidential elections and playing a pivotal role in statewide elections. Key county offices include the Richland County Sheriff's Department and the administration of the Richland County Courthouse.

Economy

The economy is dominated by government, education, healthcare, and military sectors. As the state capital, it houses the South Carolina State House and numerous state agencies. Major employers include the University of South Carolina, Prisma Health, and the United States Army installation Fort Jackson. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport facilitates regional commerce. Other significant economic contributors are the South Carolina Research Authority, technology firms, and a growing services sector. Historic industries like textile manufacturing have given way to knowledge-based and biomedical research enterprises.

Education

Primary and secondary education is provided by Richland School District One and Richland School District Two, which include numerous magnet and award-winning programs. The county is a major center for higher education, anchored by the flagship University of South Carolina in Columbia, which includes the University of South Carolina School of Law and the Darla Moore School of Business. Other institutions include Benedict College, Allen University, Columbia College, and Midlands Technical College. The county is also home to the South Carolina State Library and the Richland Library system.

Culture and recreation

Cultural institutions include the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina State Museum, and the Main Library designed by Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects. The Koger Center for the Arts and the Town Theatre host performing arts. Recreational areas feature the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, the Three Rivers Greenway trail system, and the Congaree National Park for hiking and kayaking. The county hosts annual events like the South Carolina State Fair and the St. Patrick's Day Festival in Five Points. Sports are centered on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium and Colonial Life Arena.

Category:Richland County, South Carolina Category:1799 establishments in South Carolina Category:Counties of South Carolina