Columbus, Georgia
Located in the state of Georgia, Columbus is the third largest city of the state and also the fourth largest metropolitan area of Georgia. Columbus is the 123rd largest city in all of USA and has been ranked 4rth on the100 Best U.S. Cities to live by Best Life Magazine.
Enjoying a humid sub-tropical climate, this city is considered one of Georgia's three Fall Line cities. Right from rolling hills to flat plains this city offers it all. There rivers and their fast pace in this region is a delight to watch since once they cross this patch they submerge into the sea.
When it comes to points of interest there are numerous to be enjoyed in Columbus. Be it museums, shopping arcades. Stadiums, parks or even historical buildings, the city offers it all. Enjoy the various cultures that thrive in Columbus or take a stroll down the path of history with the many historical spots here that can take one on a stroll down memory lane.
Columbus GA is an attractive city for both local residents as well as tourists. The city also has a bustling nightlife, various places to eat, places to see and can also offer you a great shopping experience. Many businesses in the city also thrive.
Columbus History
Columbus was founded in the year 1828. The navigable portion of the Chattahoochee River and the last stretch of the Federal Road before entering Alabama was considered a prime location for the city and it was here that it was set. The city is named after the famous Christopher Columbus and its plan was created by Dr. Edwin L. DeGraffenried.
It was Chattahoochee River that served a very important tool in the growth of the city. The tradesmen used the city to navigate to far off regions like Liverpool and New Orleans and traded in mostly cotton. With the advent of the railroad, the city grew to be more important when in 1850s tradesmen added textiles to the area here. Columbus became so important that it was often called the Lowell of the South.
Then in 1861 came the Civil War and it seemed to get even more prosperity for Columbus. The city rose to becoming one of the most important centers of industry in the Confederacy. Columbus ranked second in the manufacture of supplies for the Confederate army and ironworks and sword factories became very popular here. So now the city had cotton, textile and iron products to boast of but this was short lived.
On April 16, 1865, a Union detachment under General James H. Wilson attacked the city and burnt down most of its industries, targeting those that were supplying arms to the confederate. This battle has a historical marker erected in the city that goes by the name "Last Land Battle in the War Between the States." It was in this battle that the last slave ship owner was killed. Once the battle was over the city was revived again and grew to larger proportions than before. Apart from factories like the Eagle and Phenix Mills even entertainment options were looked into. The Springer Opera House was built on 10th Street and exists to date.
The Spanish American War added to the importance of the city with trolleys being bought in too. Soon the city became so prestigious that the Columbus College was set up here. Today the college has grown into the Columbus state University and offers several streams of study. The problematic days of the 1960s to 80s when prostitution and flight were serious issues were soon kissed goodbye by the city that has today become the center of culture and prosperity in the area.
About Columbus, Georgia
Playing county seat to Muscogee County, the city of Columbus is just 100 miles away from Atlanta. The city hosts the Columbus Airport that is known for bringing in most of the air traffic that this entire region is experiences. The city is a major city in the Columbus Georgia Metropolitan Area and is also the economic center for the region.
The city covers an area of 221.0 square miles of which 2.14% is water. It is fed by The Chattahoochee River which is a major river that cuts through the city. The 2010 census reported a population of 189,885 of which 50.42% were Whites and 43.74% were African Americans. There were 1.54% Asians and only 0.38% Native Americans. The median income of a household here was reported at $34,798. The city has its fair mix of ethnicities with Islam and Judaism playing important roles apart from Christianity.
The city boasts of a very strong economy while hosting Fort Benning, Aflac, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, and TSYS. Each has offices here and employ many residents of Columbus. Along with economic prosperity, Columbus also offers several shopping options. There is the Shoppes at Bradley Park, a lifestyle center and of course the Peachtree Mall that is very famous with the locals in the city. Columbus Park Crossing is another very busy shopping area of the city.
Saint Benedict The Moor Catholic Church in the downtown area is a must see for its simplicity. The Flat Rock Park is a natural phenomenon that is not to be missed when in Columbus. The Chattahoochee River Walk is a walking trail and both exciting as well as rejuvenating. The Columbus public library is also located in the city and has some very prestigious books to offer. The city also has its own sports flavor and the Golden park is the oldest baseball park of the city.
With over fifty parks, four recreation centers and four senior centers and parks, there is no dearth of greenery in this region. The Standing Boy Creek State Park which is a 1,579 acres state park that was created by the executive order issued by then-Governor Sonny Perdue on January 21, 2004 is a delightful experience. The park allows for swimming and boating on Lake Oliver, which is a huge attraction for the park goers.
About Muscogee County, Georgia
Located on the central western border of Georgia State in USA, Muscogee has Columbus as its county seat. The County seat or the city of Columbus, Georgia is the only city in Muscogee County, making it a consolidated city county. There was another city by the name of Bibb but it was dis-incorporated in 2000. A major attraction of the county is the Fort Benning which covers over one quarter of the entire area of the county and is a popular tourist attractor to the county.
The population of Muscogee was recorded as 190,414 by the 2009 census. It occupies an area of 221.00 square miles, of which 2.145 is water. The state of Alabama is its Western border with the Chattahoochee River making the boundary line between the state of Georgia and Alabama. The population of the county comprises of 50.42% Whites, 43.74% African Americans and 0.38% Native Americans. The median income for a household in the county was $34,798 as laid down by the 2000 census.
The county was occupied by the Creek people before the advent of the Europeans. While the county boundaries were created by the Georgia General Assembly on June 9 1826, it was not till December that the county was given its name. The name of the county was inspired by the native Muscogee who were also known as the Creek people. It was these original settlers that were part of the 1825 Treaty of Springs. However since the majority was not represented in this treaty was nullified only to be passed the following year.
The county has several towns though its only city is the county seat. The towns of Muscogee are Bibb City, Custer Terrace, Fort Benning which is a military base, Fortson, Midland and Upatoi and the other prominent areas of Muscogee. The county also has several historically important places like the Adams Cotton Gin Building, Bibb City Historic district, the Bullard- Hart House, the Cedars and the Church of Holy Family. The First Presbyterian Church is a very important place in the County as is the Mott House.