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

Levi G. Byrd (1891-?) | Road Trip
Levi G. Byrd (1891-?) | Road Trip

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The first chapters of the NAACP began in Charleston and Columbia in 1917. By 1929 a total of 12 chapters had been formed in the state. At that time the state organizations focused on registering Black...
Jeanette Samuels Photos | Digital Traditions
Jeanette Samuels Photos | Digital Traditions

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Singing/Storytelling As a professional teacher, Jeanette Samuels shares her talent for storytelling and singing with the community on a regular basis. She has lived in South Carolina all her life and...
Sara Ayers Photos | Digital Traditions
Sara Ayers Photos | Digital Traditions
Episode 7

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Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's earliest residents. Daughter of David A. Harris, chief of the Catawba Nation from...
Sara Ayers: Grandfather | Digital Traditions
Episode 4

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Ayers discusses the role of her grandfather in her pottery making. Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's earliest...
Sara Ayers: Firing | Digital Traditions
Episode 5

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Ayers tells Cinda Baldwin about the firing process. Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's earliest residents. Daughter of...
Sara Ayers: Uniqueness | Digital Traditions
Episode 6

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Ayers discusses how no two of her pieces are ever exactly alike. Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's earliest residents...
Fahamu Pecou Talks Remix Exhibit | Palmetto Scene

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Columbia Museum of Art’s latest exhibit, Remix, is a wide variety of works that look at what many African American artists practice – a retelling of ideas from their own perspective. One of the...