| Official name | City of Columbia |
| Type | Capital city |
| Columbia skyline and Congaree River | |
| State | South Carolina |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1786 |
| Population | 137,000 |
| Area (km²) | 349 |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST/EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 29201–29292 |
| Area code(s) | 803, 839 |
Columbia is the capital of South Carolina and one of the state’s largest cities. Strategically located near the geographic center of the state, it serves as a political, educational, and cultural hub for the region.
Overview
- Established as the state capital in 1786 to replace Charleston
- Located at the confluence of the Saluda and Broad rivers, forming the Congaree River
- Home to Fort Jackson, the largest U.S. Army training installation
Landmarks and Attractions
- South Carolina State House – a Greek Revival-style capitol building
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
- South Carolina State Museum and EdVenture Children’s Museum
- Columbia Museum of Art
- Historic neighborhoods like Shandon and the Vista
Economy
Columbia’s economy is fueled by:
- Government and military (Fort Jackson and state agencies)
- Education and research
- Health care and insurance
- Manufacturing and distribution
Culture and Lifestyle
- Hosts the South Carolina State Fair and Indie Grits Film Festival
- Offers greenways, riverwalks, and public parks
- A blend of historic Southern charm and urban revitalization
- Thriving college sports scene, especially SEC football
Education
- University of South Carolina (USC) – flagship public university
- Multiple private colleges and technical institutes
- Rich in academic research and healthcare training programs
Transportation
- Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
- Served by I-20, I-26, and I-77
- COMET public bus system for local transit
Fun Facts
- One of the first planned cities in the United States
- Played a pivotal role in the Civil War and Reconstruction
- Experiences a humid subtropical climate with very hot summers