| Columbia, the capital of the state of South Carolina, is located in the central part of the state in Richland County and Lexington County. Its population is over 130,000 and the metro area has 750,000 residents. Columbia elevation is 290 feet and it is located within the Eastern Standard Time Zone. Columbia area code is 803. The city was established in 1786. Columbia weather is mild with average winter month low temperatures of 34 degrees and summer highs in the low 90s. Rainfall averages about four inches per month and snow is rare, perhaps several inches per year. The military has a presence in Columbia with the McEntire Joint National Guard Station and the largest training complex for the United States Army, Fort Jackson. Area higher education includes the University of South Carolina, Remington College, Midlands Technical College, Columbia College, and Benedict College. Public transportation is provided by CMRTA, the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority. Area main highways include Interstate I-20, I-77, I-26 and I-276 as well as US 378 and US 1. Area large companies and corporations include Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, Colonial Supplemental Insurance, Michelin, Honeywell, Trane, UPS, International Paper, Bose Corporation, and Square D. Median family income is about $40,000. Famous people with ties to area include Steve Spurrier, President Woodrow Wilson, and actress Mary-Louise Parker. Columbia shopping centers include the Village at Sandhill and Columbiana Centre. The State is the Columbia area newspaper. Local entertainment can be found at the Nickelodeon Theatre, the South Carolina Shakespeare Company, Trustus Theatre and the Columbia City Ballet. Columbia things to do include the Columbia Museum of Art, Finlay Park, Memorial Park, Granby Park, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, McKissick Museum, and the South Carolina State Museum. Columbia events and festivals include the South Carolina State Fair, Riverfest Celebration, the St. Patrick's Day Festival, The Greek Festival, Main Street Jazz, and the Finlay Park Summer Concert Series. Local sports teams include baseball's Columbia Blowfish, hockey's Columbia Inferno, and rugby's Columbia Olde Grey as well as college sports teams from the University of South Carolina. |
