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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Project Discovery looks further at the Ccngaree Swamp and how it became a protected park with an excerpt from the documentary "Roots in the River". (Part 2)
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This building, constructed around 1935, housed a Kress "five and dime" store with a lunch counter that served whites only. It was one of eight places in Columbia that saw student protests and sit-ins...
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Allen University, which was founded in 1881 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was named in honor of Richard Allen, founder of the denomination. Established four years after the University of...
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Benedict Institute was founded in 1870 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society to provide education for freedmen and their children. The school was named for Stephen Benedict, an abolitionist...
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The congregation of Bethel A.M.E. Church organized in 1866 and moved several times before constructing this church on Sumter Street in 1921. During the 1960s, Bethel A.M.E. served as a location for...
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During the days of Jim Crow segregation, the Theatre provided entertainment to African Americans, including movies, weekly talent shows, and special shows on Saturday mornings for children. Carver...
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This area is made up of the counties of Saluda, Newberry, Richland and Lexington. Visit historical southern homes, state museums, and Riverbanks Zoo. Lake Murray is a haven for all types of water...
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Sara Ayers talks with Cinda Baldwin about animal figures in her pottery. Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's earliest...
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Ayers tells Cinda Baldwin about the tools she uses to make pottery. Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's earliest...
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Sara Ayers talks with Cinda Baldwin about animal figures in her pottery. (Part 2) Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's...
