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.
Audio
Rev. Dr. Benjamin James Glover was born in the Promised Land community near Greenwood, S.C., on October 26, 1915. From the age of seven, he was inspired to accept the calling of becoming a pastor and...
Video
Georgia O’Keeffe sought to find a place where she could not only support herself financially, but also where her artistic career could grow. O’Keeffe came to Columbia, South Carolina in 1915, where...
Video
Georgia O’Keeffe created many charcoal art drawings during her time in Columbia, and her works eventually made their way to New York, earning the recognition of Alfred Stieglitz. O’Keeffe briefly...
Video
Georgia O’Keeffe’s career was flourishing, but was facing troubles in her personal life, and needed space. O’Keeffe moved to New Mexico, which would be her home for the rest of her life. In New Mexico...
Video
While it was nowhere near as artistically diverse compared to today, New York was still seen as the epicenter for art in the U.S. While in New York, Georgia O’Keeffe developed a close friendship with...
Video
Mignon L. Clyburn became the first woman head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) when she was appointed Acting Chair by President Barack Obama in May 2013. She was also the first African...
Video
Rear Admiral Reubin B. Bookert is a native of Columbia, S.C. He graduated from C.A. Johnson High School in 1968 and North Carolina A&T State University with a B.S. degree. He also earned degrees in...
Video
Isaac Washington, Sr. is highly regarded for his numerous contributions to South Carolina. While Washington is arguably most well-known for his illustrious career in media, he also advocated for civil...
Video
For the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11's historic moon landing, the South Carolina State Museum hosted a special screening of PBS' Chasing The Moon. During this event, South Carolina ETV, and Knowitall...
Video
Milt Putnam, from Seneca, South Carolina, was a U.S. Navy photographer, who also served in the Vietnam War. Putnam was assigned to take official photographs of several Apollo recoveries: Apollo 8...
