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.
Document
Keep your students engaged while watching the City of Columbia From the Sky video with these video questions. Students are also asked to find two additional facts about the City of Columbia!
Photo
The Wheeler Hill Elementary school replaced the Celia Dial Saxon Negro Elementary School, which was overcrowded and needed rehabilitation. The neighborhood’s new elementary school was designed by...
Interactive
"The Florence C. Benson Elementary School was built in 1953-55 as Wheeler Hill School to serve African American students of the community and as a replacement for the overcrowded Celia Dial Saxon...
Interactive
From 1915-1974, Booker T. Washington High School served as a separate educational system for young African-Americans in Columbia, South Carolina. The school began with elementary grades and became a...
Video
The city of Columbia is not just at the geographical center of the state, it's also at the center of governmental and commercial activity. Affectionately known as Soda City, Columbia is well known for...
Video
Glenna Barlow gives a brief overview of the Columbia Museum of Art, its history, and mission.
Photo
The Columbia Museum of Art is the cultural heart of a revitalized downtown Columbia. This museum boasts a wide variety of original and historic art pieces, from thousands of years ago, to present day...
Audio
Rev. Joseph H. Neal was born on August 31, 1950 to the late Mrs. Laverne Kohn Neal and the late Rev. C.R. Neal of Hopkins, S.C. He was the third of four children. His compassion for people at an early...
Audio
Rev. Dr. Benjamin James Glover was born in the Promised Land community near Greenwood, S.C., on October 26, 1915. From the age of seven, he was inspired to accept the calling of becoming a pastor and...
Video
Georgia O’Keeffe sought to find a place where she could not only support herself financially, but also where her artistic career could grow. O’Keeffe came to Columbia, South Carolina in 1915, where...
