COLOMBIA

Population: 130,600 thousand people (2011)
Area: 346.5 sq. km
Founded: 1787
Time zone: UTC-5, summer UTC-4
Nearest airport: Metropolitan

The capital of South Carolina, Columbia, is located in the heart of the state. The city is located at the confluence of the Brod and Saluda rivers, which form the Conagri River (Santi Basin). Columbia is the top navigation point of the Santee Basin. A subtropical oceanic climate dominates here. Colombia is traditionally referred to as the so-called Bible Belt. In other words, the population, which is approximately equally represented by whites and African Americans, is very religious, with three-quarters professing Protestantism. Columbia is the largest city in South Carolina. More than half of the city’s territory is occupied by the Fort Jackson military base. See South Carolina cities.

Columbia was born at the initiative of the authorities of South Carolina. In 1786, a decision was made to build the state capital in the center of the territory. In the vote for the name of the new city, Columbia defeated Washington by 11 votes to 7. Since 1800, the rapid development of the city began thanks to the canal that connected Columbia with the city of Charleston on the coast. In 1850 the railroad took over the canal. The transport arteries transported mainly cotton – the basis of the economy of the city and the state of that time.

In 1865, during the Civil War, the army of the “northerners” captured Colombia, causing a big devastation: the population was killed for supporting the Confederation, women were raped, houses were burned. In the first years after the war, Colombia was at the center of world attention. Reporters came here in large numbers to cover the construction of a new order: an equal society of whites and former slaves. However, it was only towards the end of the 1960s that population segregation really ceased to exist.

According to itypetravel.com, Colombia has significant potential. The city has the right to be called the cultural capital of South Carolina, as it has a large number of museums, galleries, art centers, theaters. Columbia’s architectural landmarks include the State Capitol and the University of South Carolina complex. There are enough parks and recreational areas in Colombia and the surrounding area: Finley Park (the oldest and most popular), Memorial Park and Granby Park, as well as Conagri National Park. The city annually hosts two dozen festivals.

NORTH CHARLESTON

Population: 97.400 thousand people (2010)
Area: 198.4 sq. km
Founded: 1901
City status since: 1972
Time zone: UTC-5, summer UTC-4
Altitude: 6 m
Nearest airport: Charleston

The city of North Charleston occupies the southeast on the Atlantic Lowlands and lies in three counties. Its eastern edge is framed by the Cooper River, the southwestern by the Ashley Waterway. On the other sides, it borders on the territory of neighboring cities, including Canaan, Goose Creek, Summerville and Charleston. In everyday life, the city is called a place where it is good to work, live and relax. Most of the precipitation here falls in August, with May being the sunniest month. November is remarkable for rare rains, so it is referred to as the driest period. The city limits are crossed by major highways of regional significance and several local highways.

From the early 17th century until 1861, the lands where North Charleston is now located were occupied by extensive indigo plantations and rice fields. Subsequently, small farms began to form next to them, which gave rise to a new settlement on the outskirts of Charleston. In 1901, he received an independent status and his own name. Initially, the settlement consisted of several agricultural areas united under one management. It received its city status in 1972. From this period, a new development of an autonomous territorial-administrative entity began. In the same year, a naval dock was opened on its territory, and later factories for the production of asbestos, phosphate fertilizers and rubber appeared. Local authorities tried to develop North Charleston as a garden city, but the promising program could not be fully realized.

At the end of 1972, the city included nearby naval bases and a civil airport of international importance. A little earlier, a city park with fountains and pedestrian alleys was opened. In 1985, an obelisk was erected in front of City Hall in the city center in memory of Vietnam War veterans. A few years ago, the monument was moved to the Patriots Point Park Museum. Hurricane Hugo, which occurred in September 1989, brought significant damage to city buildings and utilities. Popular attractions include the North Charleston Coliseum, a multi-purpose arena that houses the local hockey team, and the Ashley River Historic District, built in 1670 and now part of the city.

Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina
Tagged on: