Are you interested by the historical past and enjoyable details of Columbia, SC? Whether or not you’re a resident or a customer wanting into the Columbia housing market, this metropolis is stuffed with hidden gems and fascinating tidbits which can be positive to pique your curiosity. From its function within the sizzling air balloon flight historical past to the bizarre outside ice hockey sport, Columbia has a wealthy and engaging historical past that spans centuries. Alternatively, its popularity because the “Soda Metropolis” and the positioning of the world’s largest boiled peanut statue are just some of the enjoyable details that make this metropolis so distinctive for these seeking to transfer right into a new home or condominium in Columbia. Preserve studying to find 10 enjoyable, historic details that may assist you to get to know Columbia, SC a bit higher.
1. Columbia is called “Soda Metropolis”
Columbia is called the “Soda Metropolis” due to its many soda fountains and its historical past as a hub of the gentle drink trade. Columbia has an extended historical past of being a serious participant within the gentle drink trade, relationship again to the early twentieth century when the primary Coca-Cola bottling plant within the state was established within the metropolis. Right this moment, Columbia is residence to a number of distinctive soda fountains and craft soda makers, making it an amazing vacation spot for anybody who loves candy, bubbly drinks. The town’s nickname “Soda Metropolis” displays its deep connection to this trade and the satisfaction it takes in its distinctive soda tradition.
2. The town is residence to the world’s largest fireplace hydrant
The town can be residence to the world’s largest fireplace hydrant, which stands at 39 toes tall and weighs 6,750 kilos. The large fireplace hydrant was put in in 2001 in entrance of the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park as a part of an effort to beautify the town and promote public artwork. The hydrant just isn’t really purposeful, but it surely has turn out to be a beloved landmark and a well-liked spot for picture ops. The hearth hydrant’s vivid colours and eccentric design make it a novel and crowd pleasing addition to the town’s panorama.
3. The world’s first recorded sizzling air balloon flight happened in Columbia
Columbia was the positioning of the world’s first recorded sizzling air balloon flight, which happened in 1784. The flight was performed by French brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, who had developed the expertise for decent air balloons. The Montgolfiers demonstrated their invention in Columbia, in entrance of a big crowd of spectators who had been amazed by the sight of a sizzling air balloon rising into the sky. Right this moment, Columbia celebrates its place in aviation historical past with a number of monuments and occasions devoted to the Montgolfier brothers and their pioneering flight.
4. The “World’s Largest Boiled Peanut”
The town is residence to the “World’s Largest Boiled Peanut” statue, which stands at 10 toes tall and weighs over 1,000 kilos. Boiled peanuts are a Southern delicacy, and Columbia takes its love of this snack meals to an entire new stage with its big boiled peanut statue. The statue, which was put in in 2009, is created from fiberglass and depicts a large peanut in a boiling pot. It has turn out to be a well-liked picture spot for vacationers and a unusual image of the town’s love of boiled peanuts.
5. Columbia was named after Christopher Columbus
Columbia was named after Christopher Columbus, but it surely was nearly named “Washington” after George Washington. When the town was based in 1786, its founders selected the identify “Columbia” to honor the explorer Christopher Columbus. Nonetheless, there was some debate in regards to the identify, and a few members of the state legislature argued that the town must be named after George Washington as an alternative. Finally, the identify “Columbia” caught.
6. Columbia Inferno introduced hockey to the center of the town
The town is residence to the Columbia Inferno, a minor league ice hockey group that when performed a sport on an outside rink in the course of Important Road, in downtown Columbia. The Columbia Inferno was an expert ice hockey group that performed within the ECHL from 2001 to 2008. In 2007, the group made headlines when it performed an outside sport in opposition to the Charlotte Checkers in the course of Important Road. The sport was an enormous success, with 1000’s of followers turning out to look at the motion. Whereas the Columbia Inferno now not performs, the group’s legacy lives on, and the town continues to help a thriving sports activities tradition.
7. The South Carolina State Home is a shining image of resilience
The South Carolina State Home has a novel function – a large copper dome that was added within the twentieth century to interchange the unique picket dome, which was destroyed in a fireplace. The South Carolina State Home is likely one of the most recognizable landmarks in Columbia, and its copper dome is a serious motive why. The dome, which stands 180 toes tall, was added in 1903 to interchange the unique picket dome, which was destroyed in a fireplace in 1865. Right this moment, the dome is an emblem of the state’s resilience and its dedication to progress and innovation.
8. Columbia has wealthy architectural heritage
Columbia is residence to the world’s largest assortment of Robert Mills-designed buildings, together with the South Carolina State Home and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Robert Mills was a distinguished architect and engineer who designed a number of vital buildings and monuments in the US, together with the South Carolina State Home and the Washington Monument. Columbia is proud to be residence to a number of of Mills’ most vital works, and guests to the town can see these historic buildings up shut and study in regards to the architect’s life and legacy.
9. The Columbia Marionette Theatre brings the town puppetry magic
The town is residence to the Columbia Marionette Theatre, a puppet theater that has been entertaining audiences since 1988. The Columbia Marionette Theatre is a novel cultural attraction that provides performances that includes fantastically crafted marionettes. The theater has a loyal following, and its reveals are well-liked for all ages. The Columbia Marionette Theatre is a testomony to the town’s dedication to the humanities and its dedication to preserving and selling cultural traditions.
10. Columbia has a number of the greatest savory southern meals
Columbia is understood for its vibrant meals scene, with many distinctive native dishes like “rooster lavatory,” a rice and rooster dish, and “pimento cheese,” a selection created from cheese and peppers that could be a southern favourite. Columbia is a meals lover’s paradise, with all kinds of eating places and eateries serving up scrumptious delicacies from around the globe. Nonetheless, the town is especially pleased with its native dishes, which replicate the area’s wealthy culinary historical past and its love of daring flavors and hearty fare. Whether or not you’re a fan of traditional Southern cooking or worldwide delicacies, Columbia is certain to have one thing to fulfill your urge for food.
