We've come a long way and still have a ways to go. This marker points out one of the milestones of…read morethat journey. It stands across the street from the South Carolina State House (you can see it in the background of one of the photos) and reminds us of one of the turning points in the Civil Rights struggle and the power of the Bill of Rights. The front of the marker reads, "On March 2, 1961, over 200 African American college and high school students marched 6 blocks from Zion Baptist Church to the S.C. State House in an NAACP-organized protest of racial segregation. Led by Benedict College theology student David Carter, protesters walked the capitol grounds, carried signs, and, when ordered to disperse, sang patriotic and religious songs. Despite the orderly nature of the protest. 190 people were arrested for disturbing the peace." The reverse reads, "Defended by NAACP lawyers. including local attorneys Matthew Perry and Lincoln C. Jenkins Jr. 187 students appealed their convictions to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1963, the Court ruled 8-1 that the arrests violated the 1st and 14th Amendments. The decision, styled Edwards v. South Carolina after lead plaintiff James Edwards Jr. was a landmark ruling cited to defend activists across the U.S. declaring states may not "make criminal the peaceful expression of unpopular views."" This is marker number 40-214 and it was erected by "Columbia S.C. 63." [Review 2193 of 2024 - 1166 in South Carolina - 23211 overall]

As the capital of the first state to secede from the Union, Columbia was not spared by Union…read moreforces. This marker points out the beginning of the end just prior to Columbia's surrender. The marker has the same text on both sides. It reads, "Prior to the capture of Columbia by Gen. William T. Sherman, Federal artillery shelled the city on February 16, 1865, from the batteries on this hill and in the road at this end of the Congaree River bridge. Shots were fired at the Arsenal (site of the Governor's Mansion) and the State House, which still bears scars of the bombardment." It is marker number 32-5 and it was erected in 1964 by the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, sponsored by Lexington County Historical Society. It is in front of a small strip building and there is parking to stop and read the marker. It is just where Sunset Boulevard slopes towards the Congaree River. This is the same ground where Federal artillery once aimed across the water at the Capitol. [Review 374 of 2026 - 1404 in South Carolina - 25559 overall]

When in Latin America, dance Cumbia If your toilet breaks,…read morejust call the Plumbia And if you like game cocks And shows that rock your socks Then come straight to the City of Columbia! The city named after an entire column of beer, what's not to love. Better than the Maryland version, but not as thrilling as the nation, by any stretch of the Emoji-Nation. Columbia was always pretty amazing for playing music concerts. I'm not sure why, but the city took to me and I took to them - and I love coming back here. I still have some friends in the area from playing music shows here. I'll always include Columbia on my tours because of that. I guess a lot of people skip over it but I never will. It's a big city and it deserves the attention that I gave it and I appreciate it all the attention that they gave me. They're full of college kids now, some of which are good looking, but there is a caveat - which is that it doesn't seem as friendly as it used to. I got a little bit of ridicule here and there in town, and that's okay cuz there are a lot of nice people here as well and that can happen anywhere and it was the middle of the March Madness so maybe that's why - but it definitely seems like it changed and is way more busy and congested that it ever was when I used to come here. It was a sleepy little city and now it's packedlikesardines little city. I guess it was always busy but not like this. I still really love Columbia because of the music days and I always will, but I hope that my next trip will be as wonderful as some of the older trips were. I've had so many wonderful experiences in Columbia South Carolina concerts. I've yet to actually enjoy a really good meal here (other than the tacos I'm about to mention), or find any good Boba or desserts, but on the way out of town or into town you mussssst go to Tacos Nayarit for some of the best Mexican food anywhere - so that's where I suggest you eat. All in all, it's a wonderful town with a lot of friendly people and a huge college presence, cheering for the naughtily named Gamecocks, who always say they're a bigger deal than they turn out to be.

People always refer to Charleston and Greenville when speaking of South Carolina, they both great…read morecities but they are no Columbia. We are not too big and not too small and in my humble opinion a upcoming city that has a lots of opportunity for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The craft beer scene will soon rival other cities in a few years hopefully with several new additions coming soon. If you know where to look there are many resturants and shops off of international Blvd known or called Decker that have flavors and smells that smack you in the face with goodness the moment you walk in the door. If your new to my city ask around and you will find awesome spots for live music and entertainment. Today I will visit a high end bakery then hit are Soda City market for fresh olive oils and honey and probably sample new food trucks and vendors that have delicious food. After that I'm going to eat lunch at War Mouth a new upscale Southren place that features great drinks and curried quail and local fish. Then to Craft and Draft for are Soda City Suds week to raise money for it and a 5.00 bottle share at the hottest spot on Devine street. This is but a few things Columbia has to offer besides our wonderful history and different cultures. I look forward to see everyone's pictures of Columbia and thoughts of my beloved city.

This two-sided marker is actually at the right spot, which is unusual for some. It stands in front…read moreof what is now a local pharmacy and medical equipment supplier, but back in the day it was the Taylor Street Pharmacy. On the front side, "Columbia Civil Rights Sit-ins. On March 15, 1960 five African American students from Benedict College - Charles Barr, David Carter, Richard Counts, Milton Greene, and Johnny Clark - were arrested after refusing to leave the lunch counter at the Taylor Street Pharmacy, which once occupied this building. Their actions followed similar sit-ins at S.H. Kress and Eckerd's Pharmacy, both located on nearby Main Street." And on the reverse, "Barr v. City of Columbia (1964). In Barr v. City of Columbia the U.S. Supreme Court held that lower courts had denied the students due process, as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. Columbia attorney Matthew J. Perry served as lead counsel and delivered oral arguments to the Court. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, enacted ten days after the decision in Barr, finally prohibited racial segregation of public accommodations such as hotels and restaurants." There is some street parking or if it's a weekend, you can use the pharmacy parking lot. [Review 14755 overall, 255 of 2021, number 793 in South Carolina.]

The Chapin Library has a wide variety of activities for all ages. I participate in the Summer…read moreReading Challenge yearly. There are book clubs, craft opportunities, and author talks, to name a few. Furthermore, you have access to eBooks, magazines, and audiobooks. If you need any help, the staff is more than happy to help you. If you haven't dropped in lately, I strongly encourage you to check it out!

Not going to lie the libraries in this county are top tier!!! I had no idea libraries host so many…read morecommunity events for free and low cost until coming to South Carolina this past month. With that said todays library trip brought my stepmom and I to this library and what a fun treat. To start the staff was amazingly friendly and helpful. You can tell when people genuinely enjoy what they do and these ladies gave that vibe. They were very attentive to all of my group and even made sure to let them know about some of the upcoming events being hosted. The crafts and activists my mom is involved with at this particular library are pottery WHAT? A book club and this particular day's activity was making Christmas eye apt ornament. To say I was not excited about going to craft at the library would be an understatement but I had so much fun. The library itself was well stocked clean and well organized

This marker stands at the entrance to Benedict College and points out some of the history of this…read moregreat learning institution. The marker is on two sides. On the front, "Benedict College, founded in 1870 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society to educate freedmen and their descendants, was originally called Benedict Institute. It was named for Stephen and Bathsheba Benedict of Rhode Island, whose bequest created the school. Mrs. Benedict donated money to buy land in Columbia for it. The institute was chartered as Benedict College in 1894. Its early presidents were all white Baptist ministers from the North." And on the back, "By the time Dr. J.J. Starksbecame Benedict College's first black president in 1930, its curriculum included primary and secondary courses, college-level liberal arts courses, and courses in theology, nursing, and teaching. This curriculum was streamlined in the 1930s to emphasize the liberal arts and theology. Benedict College was also a significant center for civil rights activities in Columbia from the 1930s through the 1960s. " Annual enrollment exceeds 3000 students and the alumni includes LeRoy T. Walker (former chairman of the US Olympic Committtee), Kris Bruton (Harlem Globetrotters) and Jack B. Johnson (former county executive for Price George's County, Maryland). [Review 14039 overall, 1361 of 2020, number 676 in South Carolina.]

I didn't know that this library was back here…read more Really clean and quiet spot. There were a few folks in there that were a little louder than necessary but still quiet. There is not a lot of seating in here that isn't tied to a computer. I had my laptop and found a table with two chairs. This spot worked perfect for me as I was meeting someone here. We were able to talk and handle the business we needed to with the table. I will definitely visit here again.

Honestly I love this library . nice people are here , it's quiet and very spacious , Greetings when…read morewalking in and walking out .

This marker is located at the corner of Taylor Street and Main Street not far from the South…read moreCarolina State Capitol. It points out the history and how this street earned its name. On the front, "Named for the Taylor family, this street is one of the original streets in the 1786 Columbia plan. Thomas Taylor was a member of the first and second Provincial Congresses, the General Assembly, and was a trustee of S.C. College. In 1791 he escorted President Washington into Columbia. Taylor died in 1833. His son, John, was a planter. lawyer. Governor (1826-28), first intendant of Columbia, and a member of Congress (1807-16). He died in 1832." And on the reverse, "This street is named for the Taylor family, whose plantations were selected in 1786 as part of the site of the city of Columbia. Thomas Taylor, appointed by the state as one of the commissioners to plan the new town, served in the Revolution as captain and colonel in the militia under brigadier generals Sumter and Henderson. Captured at Fishing Creek, Taylor escaped, and took part in the defeat of Tarleton at Blackstock's." This is marker number 40-81 and it was erected in 1978 by the Richland County Bicentennial Commission. It was sponsored By IBM. [Review 2188 of 2024 - 1161 in South Carolina - 23206 overall]