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.
Video
At the South Carolina Fire Academy, we learn what it takes to become a firefighter. This 208-acre facility contains classrooms, drill towers, a fire station, equipment storage, and teacher offices...
Video
A profile of Thomas Butler Pearce. (1888–1947) Tom Pearce built a small wholesale produce business into one of the nation's largest food distribution companies and still found time to serve his...
Video
G. Richard Shafto (1904-2002) For generations, the Shaftos have shared a love for the sea, perhaps as far back as the seagoing Bobby Shafto written of in the Mother Goose rhyme. Like his father, Dick...
Video
G. Richard Shafto (1904-2002) For generations, the Shaftos have shared a love for the sea, perhaps as far back as the seagoing Bobby Shafto written of in the Mother Goose rhyme. Like his father, Dick...
Video
(1930 – 1982) In April 1994, Owen Steel Company, Inc., of Columbia sold the largest contract in the company's history — 23,500 tons of structural steel for the Atlantic City Convention Center project...
Video
R. Roy Pearce (1919-2004) Roy Pearce helped develop Pearce–Young–Angel, a food distribution business founded by his grandfather and father, into one of the largest businesses in South Carolina...
Video
John Douglas Scollon, the executive director of the Columbia Marionette Theatre, discusses what it is like to work at the theater.
Video
A. Foster McKissick (1869 – 1938) Anthony Foster McKissick was a major figure in the Southern textile industry and was also a college professor, scientist, state legislator, philanthropist, and...
Video
One of three astronauts inducted into the South Carolina Hall Of Fame, Charles Bolden, Jr. flew on four space shuttle missions while an astronaut, and in 2009 was appointed by President Obama to be...
Video
W. W. "Hootie" Johnson (Born February 16, 1931) On the desk of Hootie Johnson, there is a small plaque, given to him years ago. It is an eloquent statement of Theodore Roosevelt, which says, in part...
