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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Reverend Sarah H. Smith (1884-1937) was a Baptist preacher who came to Columbia early in the 20th century from Savannah and organized Bethlehem Baptist Church in 1913 by going from house to house. By...
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Modjeska Monteith Simkins (1899-1992) is one of the outstanding civil rights leaders in South Carolina. The oldest of eight children of a bricklayer, she sought education not only for herself, but for...
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World War I brought big business to towns that housed soldiers in military camps. On June 2, 1917 was Camp Jackson established. After 11 days of construction, the first trainees arrived. Owners of...
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Cornell A. (C.A.) Johnson, at left, is presented with gifts by Fairwold Elementary School Principal Norman Pendergrass, right, in a "This is Your Life" ceremony in 1952 honoring Johnson for his role...
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Maxcy Gregg (1814-1862) was born in Columbia, educated at South Carolina College, and admitted to the Columbia bar in 1839. He served as a Major in Milledge Bonham's Mexican War regiment, and argued...
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A scientist and educator, born in Westminster, England, Thomas Cooper (1759-1839) attended Oxford but never graduated. An industrial career, in which he successfully used chlorine as a bleaching agent...
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The host ties the reenactment together at various intervals in the story in various spots around Columbia that are particularly associated with Sherman's invasion, such as the area across the Congaree...
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An ecumenical service is conducted by Pope John Paul at the University of South Carolina's Williams-Brice Stadium on September 12, 1987. Courtesy of "The State" newspaper.
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James B. Edwards descends the steps of the State House with previous Governor John C. West at his January 15, 1975, inauguration as the first Republican governor of South Carolina since Reconstruction...
