Columbia SC Moving Companies

Columbia, South Carolina

With its Southern roots, forward-thinking and dynamic pulse, there is a multitude of reasons why more people are moving to Columbia, South Carolina. The city’s population of over 700,000 boasts booming colleges and universities, award-winning hospital systems and charming neighborhoods to suit any lifestyle. Several entertainment districts with outdoor cafes, coffee shops and art galleries present year-round opportunities for socializing. Columbia may be known as a Southern hot spot, but it continues to open eyes of residents to a surprisingly cool lifestyle and culture.

History:
With a central location on the Congaree River, a fort was established in the early 1700s. The colonial government in 1754 created a ferry system in order to connect local settlements. Named after Christopher Columbus, the city of Columbia was founded in 1786, created by legislation by the General Assembly. In 1790, the capital of South Carolina was moved from Charleston to Columbia. In 1806 Columbia became the second planned capital in America, built on 400 blocks in a square area along the river. In 1860, South Carolina seceded from the Union. During the Civil War, Union leader Major General Sherman burned half of the city. Today, however, many of the city’s historic buildings and plantation homes are preserved and are now open to visitors. In 1868, South Carolina was readmitted to the Union. And in early 1917, Fort Jackson was established as the U.S. Army training facility. In 2003, Congaree Swamp National Monument was designated South Carolina's first National Park and was renamed as Congaree National Park. With an economic explosion, the city’s population grew. Today, Columbus still attracts thousands of new residents, along with visitors who discover its natural beauty and enriching attractions.

Economy:
Columbia prides itself on its diverse and stable economy based on jobs in local and state government, manufacturing and services. Recently, distribution, manufacturing, research and development have increased the city’s economic diversity. The city is relying on its technology infrastructure, active entrepreneurial community and diverse quality of life to attract and keep new business. Columbia's diverse economic base includes 31 Fortune 500 companies, and the city serves as a service center for the insurance, telecommunications and real estate industries. Numerous international companies have operations in the city. Generous rainfall and the mild climate promote the city’s success as an agricultural hub. The wholesale trade industry, which began its growth in the years prior to World War I, benefits from the approximately 70 percent of the nation's population living within 24-hour ground access.

Tourism:
Two of the best-known activities in Columbia, South Carolina are kayaking and canoeing down the Congarees River. Other tourist attractions in Columbia include the Riverbanks Zoo, which is one of the best places to go in Columbia for some family fun. The zoo is open daily and the surrounding park features a number of picnic tables for lunch and a playground for the kids. Another of the best attractions in Columbia is the State House, which is open during the day for tours. This is the capitol building of Columbia South Carolina and one of the finest examples of 19th century architecture in the state. Finally, head to nearby Edisto Memorial Garden, the longest black-water river in the world. Particularly during the spring, the gardens are thriving with unbelievable blossoms and are well worth visiting. Best of all, the garden is available free to visitors year-round.

Colleges/Universities:
• University of South Carolina
• Columbia College
• Allen University

Interesting Facts:
• The Columbia City Ballet, South Carolina's oldest dance company, has developed into one of the most broadly supported performing arts organizations in the state.
• At the Riverbanks Zoological Park in Columbia, more than 2000 animals thrive in recreated natural habitats with no bars or cages.

Helpful links:
• Columbia Real Estate
• Columbia Storage Facility
• Columbia Insurance
• Columbia Dental Offices
• Columbia Moving Guide