Columbia, South Carolina

History

The site was chosen as the new state capital in 1786, due to its central location in the state. State legislature first met there in 1790. After remaining under the direct government of the legislature for the first two decades of its existence, Columbia was incorporated as a village in 1805 and then as a city in 1854.

Related Topics:
1786 - 1790 - 1805 - 1854

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On February 17, 1865, during the American Civil War, much of Columbia was destroyed by fire while being occupied by Union troops under the command of General William Tecumseh Sherman.

Related Topics:
February 17 - 1865 - American Civil War - William Tecumseh Sherman

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Controversy surrounding the burning of the city started soon after the war ended. General Sherman blamed the high winds and retreating Confederate soldiers for firing bales of cotton, which had been stacked in the streets. General Sherman denied ordering the burning, though he did order militarily significant structures, such as the Confederate Printing Plant, destroyed. First-hand accounts by local residents, Union soldiers and a newspaper reporter offer a sinister tale of revenge by Union troops for Columbia's and South Carolina's pivotal role in leading Southern states to secede from the Union.

Related Topics:
Confederate Printing Plant - South Carolina's pivotal role

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Today, tourists can follow the path General Sherman's army took to enter the city and see structures or remnants of structures that survived the fire.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~