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

Bronze Stars | The SC State House
Bronze Stars | The SC State House

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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...
Jefferson Davis Highway | The SC State House
Jefferson Davis Highway | The SC State House

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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.
Old State House Monument | The SC State House
Old State House Monument | The SC State House

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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...
Dr. J. Marion Sims Monument | The SC State House
Dr. J. Marion Sims Monument | The SC State House

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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...
Wade Hampton Statue | The SC State House
Wade Hampton Statue | The SC State House

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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...