Early history Columbia, South Carolina



the seibels house, c. 1796, oldest in columbia.


the site chosen new state capital in 1786, due central location in state. state legislature first met there in 1790. after remaining under direct government of legislature first 2 decades of existence, columbia incorporated village in 1805 , city in 1854.


columbia received large stimulus development when connected in direct water route charleston santee canal. canal connected santee , cooper rivers in 22-mile-long (35 km) section. first chartered in 1786 , completed in 1800, making 1 of earliest canals in united states. increased railroad traffic, ceased operation around 1850.


the commissioners designed town of 400 blocks in 2-mile (3 km) square along river. blocks divided lots of 0.5 acres (2,000 m) , sold speculators , prospective residents. buyers had build house @ least 30 feet (9.1 m) long , 18 feet (5.5 m) wide within 3 years or face annual 5% penalty. perimeter streets , 2 through streets 150 feet (46 m) wide. remaining squares divided thoroughfares 100 feet (30 m) wide. width determined belief dangerous , pesky mosquitoes not fly more 60 feet (18 m) without dying of starvation along way. columbians still enjoy of magnificent network of wide streets.



south carolina governor s mansion built 1855



south carolina state house (completed 1907) 15th floor of main , gervais tower


the commissioners comprised local government until 1797 when commission of streets , markets created general assembly. 3 main issues occupied of time: public drunkenness, gambling, , poor sanitation.


as 1 of first planned cities in united states, columbia began grow rapidly. population nearing 1,000 shortly after start of 19th century.








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