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.
Photo
These women are receiving their diplomas as "Gray Ladies," volunteers in Columbia's African-American hospital, around 1950. Alt-Lee photographers. Courtesy of the South Caroliniana Library.
Photo
An integrated group of African-Americans and whites (which was unusual in its time) gathers at a USO meeting on Harden Street operated by the YWCA around the time of the Second World War. The woman...
Photo
The Richland Volunteer Rifle Company. Charles Cronenberry (1858-1915) is the sergeant, seated in the center of the group of three men wearing dark jackets, in front of the tent, at the center of the...
Photo
Four young African-American men in uniform sing into the microphone of WNOK radio, Columbia, during the era of World War II. Courtesy of the South Caroliniana Library.
Photo
The Chatter Box dance band provided a big band sound for the popular dancing of the 1940s. Mary Taylor, at the extreme right, joined the "all girl violin section" in March 1944. Mrs. Taylor later ran...
Photo
Classical or serious music has a long history in South Carolina. The St. Cecilia Society (still in existence today) was founded in Charleston in 1762 to bring the best concert music available to that...
Photo
Motorcycle enthusiasts in front of the State House protest a proposal to make safety helmets mandatory for all motorcycle riders. Photo by Doug Gilmore, published October 1985. Courtesy of "The State"...
Photo
Hunting wild turkeys has been a sport and a means of providing food in South Carolina since before the arrival of the first European settlers. This turkey was shot by Calder W. Seibels of Columbia...
Photo
The Columbia All-Stars were an African-American professional baseball team. Photo by Walter Livingston Blanchard, ca. 1920. Courtesy of the South Caroliniana Library.
Photo
The University of South Carolina football team around 1950, playing at Melton Field Stadium, with the crowd kept back by ropes. Note the difference not only between these uniforms and today's uniforms...
