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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This monument honoring Benjamin Ryan Tillman was dedicated May 1, 1940. Ben Tillman served as governor of South Carolina from 1890 to 1894, and as United States senator from 1895 to 1918. Tillman...
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©2001, SCETV. All rights reserved. The Spanish-American War memorial honors South Carolinians who served in the war against Spain in 1898.
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