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 bronze stars on the outer walls of the State House mark the spots where cannonballs struck the granite walls. The shots were fired by northern artillerymen on February 17, 1865, during General...
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This marker commemorates the Jefferson Davis Highway, which was named after the president of the Confederate States of America. It was erected in 1923 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
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The first State House built in Columbia was large for its day, but it lacked adequate facilities for the transaction of state business and affairs. Construction began in 1787, but it was still...
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This monument honors James F. Byrnes 1879–1972, who served as South Carolina congressman, senator, governor, and secretary of state of the United States.
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This monument honors the founder of the science of gynecology, Dr. J. Marion Sims, a native of Lancaster, South Carolina. After graduating from South Carolina Medical College, Sims began practicing...
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The Revolutionary Generals Monument honors those South Carolina generals who served with distinction in the American Revolution. It includes dedications to General Francis Marion, known as the “Swamp...
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The Robert E. Lee Memorial Highway marker was erected on the State House grounds in 1938. The marker was donated by the city of Columbia.
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Sculpted by Frederick W. Ruckstull, the bronze Wade Hampton statue is 15 feet tall and 17 feet long. It was. Hampton served with honor in the Civil War as commander of the Hampton Legion. Later, as...
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This replica of the Liberty Bell is one of 53. Cast in France in 1950, the replicas were given to the United States government by six American businesses.
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Honoring the nation’s first president, this statue of George Washington is on the north side of the State House, facing Gervais Street.
