Richland

Richland County lies in the South Carolina midlands. Its county seat, Columbia, also serves as the state capital.

Richland County lies in the South Carolina midlands. Its county seat, Columbia, also serves as the state capital.

The county was founded in 1785 within the Camden District, and its name most likely refers to the “rich land” of the county. In 1791, Richland County became smaller when land previously belonging to this county was added to Kershaw County.

During the Civil War, Sherman entered Richland County and occupied Columbia before setting it on fire.

Since its founding, Columbia has served as an economic hub for the state, especially in terms of trade and manufacturing. The county is home to Fort Jackson, Congaree National Park, and multiple lakes and rivers. Notable county residents include Senator Wade Hampton and President Woodrow Wilson.

 

SOURCES: About Richland County

Longstreet Theater | History of SC Slide Collection
Longstreet Theater | History of SC Slide Collection
Episode 4

Photo

Work began in 1852 on the magnificent Classical Revival auditorium and chapel building on the campus of South Carolina College, originally called College Hall, but now known as the Longstreet Theater...
Relic Room | History of SC Slide Collection
Relic Room | History of SC Slide Collection
Episode 1

Photo

Museums as institutions help citizens identify with their past. This "Relic Room" was maintained in the State House until the completion in November 1935 of the War Memorial building on Sumter Street...