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.
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The South Carolina Senate is one of the two lawmaking branches of state government that make up the South Carolina General Assembly. The Senate Chamber is located off the main lobby. Every year, the...
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As is common with other areas of the State House, memorials, statuary, and other objects of art can be seen in the main lobby. These include a marble replica of the Ordinance of Secession, a memorial...
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Now the Joint Legislative Conference Room, this room was once the state law library and later the office of the legislative council. This is the only room in the State House that has remained original...
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Other features of the main lobby include the outside facade, the false dome, the dome room, which leads to the outer dome, and hand-carved mahogany doors which provide entrance to the Joint...
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While most features of the main lobby remain original, new additions include area carpets and carpet borders, and previously unused skylights, which were uncovered during renovations. Carpets: The...
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This oil, The Angel of Marye’s Heights, depicts the heroism of Sergeant Richard Rowland Kirkland. Born in rural Flat Rock Township in Kershaw County, South Carolina, in August 1843, Kirkland was the...
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A ladder in this room at the top of the outer dome leads to the platform from which the United States and South Carolina flags are raised and lowered. An image on this page shows the view looking up...
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A ladder in this room at the top of the outer dome leads to the platform from which the United States and South Carolina flags are raised and lowered. An image on this page shows the view looking up...
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This is a large reproduction of the South Carolina bicentennial medallion which was minted in honor of the American Revolution. It incorporates the state arms which were designed by William Henry...
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Original twin cast-iron grand staircases on each side of the lower lobby lead to the main lobby and to the entrances to the South Carolina House and Senate chambers. Interesting non-architectural...
