Columbia, South Carolina

Reading Time: 6 minutes

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Geographic Coordinates: 39.200400, -76.859000

Population: 105086

Language: English

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Columbia, Also known as the District of Columbia or simply D.C., Is the capital city of the United States. Located on the east coast of the country, It is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and culture. The city was founded in 1790 as a compromise between northern and southern states over where to establish the nation’s capital. Today, It is home to approximately 700, 000 residents and serves as an important center for politics, Tourism, Education, And business. One of Columbia’s most iconic landmarks is undoubtedly the National Mall.

This stretch of green space stretches from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial and includes many famous monuments such as Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial. It also houses some of America’s most important museums such as Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History which showcases artifacts like The Star-Spangled Banner flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem. Another popular tourist attraction in Columbia is Georgetown. This historic neighborhood dates back to colonial times when it served as a bustling port town along the Potomac River.

Today it boasts some of D.C.’s best shopping streets with high-end boutiques lining M Street NW while Wisconsin Avenue NW has more affordable options for those looking for something more low-key. Columbia’s political significance cannot be overstated either; this city hosts several government buildings including White House (the official residence of US President), US Capitol Building (where Congress meets) , Supreme Court Building (where judges sit) among others making it one of America’s most important cities politically speaking.

In addition to its political significance, Columbia also has a thriving arts scene with numerous theaters showcasing everything from Broadway productions to experimental plays at venues like Kennedy Center for Performing Arts or Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. foodies will find plenty to love about this city too! From traditional American fare at Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street NW or Half Smoke on Georgia Avenue NW, To international cuisine options like Ethiopian food at Dukem Restaurant or Italian fare at Filomena Ristorante, There is something for everyone in Columbia. Columbia is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture.

From its iconic landmarks and museums to its political significance and thriving arts scene, There is no shortage of things to see and do here. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, This city has much to offer – from shopping districts like Georgetown to the National Mall’s monuments – that make it one of America’s most beloved destinations.

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1. South Carolina State House
2. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
3. Columbia Museum of Art
4. Congaree National Park
5. Fort Jackson Army Base
6. Williams-Brice Stadium (home of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks)
7. The Horseshoe (historic district on the University of South Carolina campus)
8. EdVenture Children’s Museum
9. Five Points (shopping and dining district)
10. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

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1. Healthcare: Columbia houses multiple major hospitals and medical centers, including the University of Missouri Health Care system.
2. Education: The city is home to the University of Missouri, which stands as one of the largest employers in the area. Additionally, there are several other colleges and universities located in Columbia.
3. Manufacturing: Several significant manufacturers have established their facilities in Columbia, such as 3M, Dana Corporation, and Aurora Organic Dairy.
4. Agriculture: The surrounding area is known for its agricultural production, with a particular focus on corn and soybeans.
5. Technology: Various technology companies maintain offices or operations within Columbia’s vicinity like IBM and Veterans United Home Loans.
6. Retail: Residents can find employment opportunities through several shopping centers and retail districts spread across Columbia.
7. Tourism: The city attracts visitors from around the region due to its cultural events, outdoor recreation opportunities like Katy Trail State Park, and historic sites.

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1. Columbia was founded in 1786 as the first planned city in the United States.
2. During the Civil War, Columbia was burned to the ground by Union General William T. Sherman’s troops in 1865.
3. Strom Thurmond served as a U.S. Senator from South Carolina for over 48 years and is one of the longest-serving Senators in U.S. history.
4. James F. Byrnes was a prominent politician who served as a U.S Senator, Secretary of State, and Supreme Court Justice.
5. Fort Jackson is a major military installation located near Columbia and has trained soldiers since World War I.
6. The University of South Carolina was founded in Columbia in 1801 and has grown to become one of the largest universities in the state.
7. Harriet Hancock played an important role in advocating for LGBTQ rights and helped establish SC Equality, an organization dedicated to advancing equality for LGBTQ individuals.
8. After the Civil War, African Americans gained political power during Reconstruction Era politics which led to significant social changes throughout South Carolina including education reform and voting rights expansion.
9. Columbia has been home to several notable musicians including Hootie & The Blowfish, Edwin McCain, Chaz Bundick (Toro y Moi), among others.
10. In October 2015 historic rainfall caused flooding throughout much of central SC causing widespread damage across many areas including downtown Columbia.

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1. South Carolina State Museum
2. Columbia Museum of Art
3. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
4. EdVenture Children’s Museum
5. University of South Carolina campus and historic Horseshoe area
6. Robert Mills House and Gardens
7. Fort Jackson Army Base Museum
8. South Carolina State House and grounds
9. Congaree National Park
10. Sesquicentennial State Park

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1. The University of South Carolina Gamecocks are a beloved sports team in Columbia, representing the university in various sports such as football, basketball, and baseball.
2. The Columbia Fireflies are a minor league baseball team that joined the South Atlantic League in 2016. They play at Spirit Communications Park.
3. The Columbia Blowfish is another minor league baseball team that plays in the Coastal Plain League and calls Capital City Stadium their home field.
4. Midlands United FC is a semi-professional soccer team competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) based out of Bray Park.
5. Although based out of North Charleston, professional ice hockey team South Carolina Stingrays have garnered significant support from fans throughout South Carolina including those living near Columbia.
6. Palmetto Rugby Union Football Club is an amateur rugby club located just outside downtown Columbia established over 30 years ago by rugby enthusiasts to provide people with an environment to learn about rugby while having fun with like-minded individuals.
7. Recently established American football club, the Columbia Ravens participate under USFA’s developmental program for youths aged between 8-14 years old.
8. Established to help young girls develop their volleyball skills while learning teamwork and discipline among others through programs such as clinics or camps etc., CEVA or Columbia Elite Volleyball Academy aims to provide opportunities for growth and development within volleyball sportsmanship as well as life skills off-court too!
9. For over a decade now, CrossFit gym – Columbia CrossFit has been offering fitness training using CrossFit methodology which combines weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardio exercises to achieve overall fitness catering to all levels of fitness enthusiasts from beginners to advanced.
10. Columbia Swim Club (CSC), affiliated with USA Swimming which is the national governing body of competitive swimming in the United States offers training for swimmers of all ages and levels since 1960 operating as non-profit swimming club providing opportunities for swimmers to hone their skills.

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1. South Carolina State Fair
2. Columbia Greek Festival
3. Riverbanks Zoo Lights
4. Soda City Market
5. St. Pat’s in Five Points
6. Rosewood Crawfish Festival
7. Famously Hot New Year
8. South Carolina Book Festival
9. Indie Grits Film Festival
10. Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture

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1. Southern-style barbecue:
   • Midwood Smokehouse
   • The Southern Belly BBQ
   • Hudson’s Smokehouse
2. Seafood:
   • Blue Marlin
   • Pearlz Oyster Bar
   • The Oyster Bar
3. Soul Food:
   • Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles
   • Big T’s BBQ & Soul Food
   • Bernie’s Chicken
4. Craft Beer Scene:
   • River Rat Brewery
   • Swamp Cabbage Brewing Company
5. International Cuisine:
   • Al Amir Middle Eastern Restaurant
   • Baan Sawan Thai Bistro
6. Fine Dining:
   • Motor Supply Co.
   • Hall’s Chophouse
   • Ruth’s Chris Steak House
7. Casual Eateries:
   • Lizard’s Thicket
   • Zesto Drive-In

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1. Finlay Park is an 18-acre park located in downtown Columbia that features a lake, playgrounds, picnic areas, and an amphitheater.
2. Riverfront Park is a 167-acre park situated along the Congaree River that offers walking trails, fishing spots, kayaking and canoeing rentals.
3. Sesquicentennial State Park is a 1,400-acre park with hiking trails, picnic areas and camping facilities.
4. Harbison State Forest covers 2,177 acres of land with hiking and biking trails available for visitors to enjoy.
5. Saluda Shoals Park spans across 400 acres on the Saluda River with walking trails, playgrounds and splash pads for families to enjoy.
6. Dreher Island State Park covers a total of 348 acres on Lake Murray that offers camping facilities and boat rentals for visitors to enjoy.
7. South Carolina State Fairgrounds hosts annual events like the South Carolina State Fair each year.
8. Spirit Communications Park serves as home to minor league baseball team Columbia Fireflies in Columbia.
9. The Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park provides a trail for running or cycling along the canal which is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to stay active while enjoying nature’s beauty at its finest!
10. Congaree National Park provides visitors with opportunities to hike through old-growth bottomland hardwood forest which makes it one of the most beautiful parks in all of South Carolina!

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