Columbia, SC: A Civil War Collegetown
Columbia, SC is the capital city of South Carolina. Located 92 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina, Columbia is known as the soda city. It gained this nickname from its old abbreviation of “Cola.” Columbia, SC was founded in 1786. It is the first city in the United States to be named after Christopher Columbus.
Columbia has an extensive Civil War history. Most of the city burned down during the Civil War. As a result, there are not many buildings standing today that were built before the Civil War. As home to the University of South Carolina, Columbia is a college town rooted in Gamecock culture. College football dominates the culture of this town during football season. Known for being “famously hot,” temperatures and humidity soar here in the summer.
There is plenty of culture and attractions to experience in this city of over 133,000 people. Columbia has many Civil War sites to visit. Fort Jackson has a lot of history to explore. With the South Carolina Military Museum and Fort Jackson Museum, it is easy to learn about the military history of Columbia.
If you enjoy the outdoors, the mountains and state parks around the region offer plenty of outdoor activities. Drink plenty of water because it will be hot. Columbia, South Carolina has a great family atmosphere, too, with plenty of amenities and entertainment options. If you are looking for a slower pace of life with the cultural benefits of a larger city, Columbia will be a great place for you to call home.