Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the capital and second largest city of the U.S. state of South Carolina, with a population estimate of 134,309 as of 2016. The city serves as the county seat of Richland County, and a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. It is the center of the Columbia metropolitan statistical area, which had a population of 767,598 as of the 2010 United States Census, growing to 817,488 by July 1, 2016, according to 2015 U.S. Census estimates. The name "Columbia" is a poetic term used for the United States, originating from the name of Christopher Columbus.
History of Columbia, Missouri
The 20th century saw Columbia's prominence as an educational center rise even further. It became home to the headquarters of the University of Missouri System, Stephens College and Columbia College. It became a transportation crossroads when U.S. Routes 63 and 40, the latter of which is concurrent with present-day Interstate 70, were routed through the city. Soon after, the city opened the Columbia Regional Airport. During this time, two insurance companies established their own headquarters in Columbia: Shelter Insurance and State Farm. The latter 20th century saw tremendous growth and by the end of the century, the population was over 80,000 in the city proper.