Discover Columbia: Where History Meets Community
Columbia is a city that blends rich history with fresh energy. As South Carolina’s capital, it’s where rivers meet, ideas flow, and community thrives. From historic streets and scenic parks to art, food, and festivals, Columbia is full of stories waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, you’ll find plenty of ways to learn, connect, and experience what makes the Midlands special.
Columbia Quick History
In 1786 the state legislature selected Columbia as the new state capital, partially as a compromise location between the coastal region and the inland/backcountry.
It was one of the earliest planned cities in the United States: the two-mile-square grid around the State House was surveyed and laid out in the late 1700s.
In 1865, General Sherman’s troops marched through Columbia and much of the city was destroyed by fire. The people rebuilt, and the bronze star markers on Main Street still show where cannonballs struck during the attack.
The University of South Carolina opened its doors in 1801 as “South Carolina College,” and its historic Horseshoe campus remains a centerpiece of downtown Columbia life.
Columbia sits at the point where the Saluda and Broad Rivers merge to form the Congaree River, a unique feature that inspired its early growth as a trading hub and continues to shape outdoor life today.
Fun Soda City Facts
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“Soda City” isn’t about soda at all!
Columbia’s nickname comes from its abbreviation “COLA”, short for Columbia. Locals started calling it “Soda City,” and now the name lives on through the popular Soda City Market held downtown every Saturday. |
Columbia is often called “Famously Hot”, not just because of the summer temperatures, but because of its warm, energetic spirit. The slogan came from a tourism campaign that stuck, and locals use it with pride (and a little humor).
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The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is home to more than 2,000 animals and over 4,300 species of plants. It’s often ranked among the top zoos in the U.S., and its botanical garden is just as impressive as the animal exhibits.
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World-renowned jazz drummer Billy Higgins and singer Eartha Kitt both have connections to South Carolina, Columbia’s music scene continues to honor that legacy through local festivals and performances.
Challenge Columbia: Get to Know Your City
There’s no better way to explore Columbia than by turning it into a challenge! Stroll through the city with the One Columbia Public Art Map & Walking Tours, snapping photos of murals and sculptures along the way. Take your taste buds on a journey with the Pimento Cheese Passport, a digital guide to restaurants serving this classic Southern favorite. For something more adventurous, try one of the Scavenger Hunts from Experience Columbia SC, designed to lead you through popular landmarks and hidden gems. And if you’re a coffee lover, grab the South Carolina Café Passport, a real booklet that covers cafés statewide, including many right here in Columbia. Pick your challenge, explore new spots, and see how well you really know your city!
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From The Nick, Columbia’s beloved independent theater that first opened its doors in 1979 and still screens thought-provoking films on Main Street, to the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, one of the Southeast’s top attractions, there’s always something new to experience in South Carolina’s capital city. Whether you’re wandering through The Vista’s converted warehouse art district, visiting the South Carolina State Museum, or enjoying live music at a local park, Columbia’s creativity and culture are everywhere. Click the links below to learn more about what Columbia has to offer, and get out there to explore your city!
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