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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A look at the Congaree water basin with Project Discovery for Earth Day. (Part 4)
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Understanding education and what can be learned at the Congaree National Park. (Part 9)
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A looking at the Congaree's bottomland, more in-depth. (Part 7)
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Rudy Mancke and a park ranger answer questions about the Congaree National Park from students during the original broadcast of the Project Discovery Earth Day special. (Part 5)
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Rudy Mancke speaks with a park ranger about Congaree National Park and its history. (Part 3)
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A look at the Congaree River through an excerpt from NatureScene with Rudy Mancke. (Part 8).
