Columbia, South Carolina: The Capital of the Palmetto State

Ah, Columbia – the shining star of South Carolina, the cultural mecca of the American south, and the beating heart of the Palmetto State. Just kidding, it’s just another unremarkable city in the middle of nowhere.

History

Columbia was founded in 1786 as the state capital, because the founding fathers drew straws and Columbia was the only one that wasn’t covered in swamps. The city was named in honor of Christopher Columbus, because its founders had never heard of him actually discovering America.

Throughout history, Columbia has been a hotspot for political drama. The city was burned to the ground during the Civil War, and then rebuilt even uglier than before. In 1961, South Carolina Governor Ernest Hollings forced the University of South Carolina to admit its first black student, Harvey Gantt. It was a momentous occasion, but let’s be real – everyone was just excited to see what the cafeteria food would look like.

Culture

Columbia is jam-packed with cultural delights, such as the South Carolina State Museum, the Columbia Museum of Art, and the Riverbanks Zoo. But let’s not forget the true attraction – the annual South Carolina State Fair. For a mere $10 admission, you too can test your luck on the sketchy carnival rides and feast on fried Oreos until your stomach revolts.

The city is also home to the University of South Carolina, a.k.a. “Party School University,” where the mascot is a fighting chicken and the students’ biggest accomplishment is surviving the tailgates.

Climate

Columbia has a subtropical climate that can best be described as “a sauna, but worse.” Summers are long, hot, and humid, while winters are mild and rainy. The city is famous for its unpredictable thunderstorms that flood the streets, but don’t worry – the locals just see it as an opportunity to whip out their rubber boots and paddle around like they’re in Venice.

Conclusion

All in all, Columbia is a city that you won’t remember visiting, but you also won’t regret going to. It’s just another spot on the map where you can get a decent meal, see some mediocre museums, and enjoy the occasional soggy carnival ride. Come for the mild winter, stay for the chance to finally meet a real live Gamecock.