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

Senate Chamber Photos | The SC State House
Senate Chamber Photos | The SC State House

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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...
Main Lobby Art | The SC State House
Main Lobby Art | The SC State House

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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...
Main Lobby Features | The SC State House
Main Lobby Features | The SC State House

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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...
New Additions | The SC State House
New Additions | The SC State House

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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...
The Outer Dome | The SC State House
The Outer Dome | The SC State House

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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...
Dome Flagpole | The SC State House
Dome Flagpole | The SC State House

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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...
Bicentennial Medallion | The SC State House
Bicentennial Medallion | The SC State House

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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...
Twin Staircases | The SC State House
Twin Staircases | The SC State House

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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...