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

Constelena Kelly | Blythewood History
Episode 2

Video

Constelena Kelly's great-great grandfather, a Caucasian man, was married to a Cherokee Native American who lived on the reservation. A time came when she was not allowed to live anywhere but on the...
Naomi and Matty | Blythewood History
Episode 5

Video

Naomi and Matty share memories of their father and growing up in Blythewood. Their father was a farmer and activist, encouraging people in the community to register to vote. This was during the time...
Congaree Swamp (S.C.) Stop 3
Episode 4

Video

Before making their way to the next stop, Rudy and Jim come across an Eastern Mud turtle resting under a bush.
Congaree Swamp (S.C.) Stop 4
Episode 5

Video

At the next stop, Rudy and Jim analyze more of the plants found in the area: Hackberry trees, and Switch Cane dominate the area. A healthy Poison Ivy can be seen completely encasing a dead oak tree.
Congaree Swamp (S.C.) Stop 4
Episode 6

Video

Rudy and Jim find a young Bald Cypress tree, and a Papaw tree, which flowers in the early springtime.
Congaree Swamp (S.C.) Stop 2
Episode 2

Video

The Edge - Here, where the high ground meets the flood plain, we see more plant diversity. Large Cinnamon Ferns, Dog Hobble, Loblolly Pine trees, and American Beech trees frequent the area. With a...
Congaree Swamp (S.C.) Stop 3
Episode 3

Video

As Rudy and Jim make their way closer to the Flood Plain, we see more tall canopy trees: Red Maple trees, and Sweet Gum trees. Several flowering plants grow in the area as well: Elderberry, Winged...
Congaree Swamp (S.C.) Stop 7
Episode 11

Video

At this last stop at Congaree Swamp, Rudy and Jim find another Sweetgum tree, which grows very well in this wet, muddy environment. A record size Willow Oak tree, toppled over by the wind, knocked...
Congaree Swamp (S.C.) Stop 5
Episode 7

Video

Oxbow Lake – A Laurel Oak tree has found a way to support itself in the muddy, wet soil. Water Tupelo trees, Bald Cypress trees, and Loblolly Pines dominate the areas closer to the swamp.