Support Us Button Widget

The brief on Columbia’s nicknames

IMG_0979

Photo by @christophertcarson

Table of Contents

The Capital City, Cola, Soda City, The River Citywe’ve all heard the nicknames but do you actually know where they came from? We’ve done some digging and have the full lowdown on Columbia’s most popular nicknames.

Cola

A short + sweet abbreviation of Columbia.

The abbreviation was first created by the US Postal Service.

Soda City

While it seems like this nickname has little to do with Columbia, its origin is quite simple. It stems from “Cola”, another word for soda, and caught on quite quickly.

Read more about Soda City market coining the term.

River City

This nickname comes from the three rivers – the Saluda, Broad + Congaree – that converge in the heart of Columbia.

The Capital City

This one may be obvious, but as Columbia is the capital of S.C., this nickname was rightfully earned.

More from COLAtoday
Columbia has seven sister cities worldwide, fostering cultural ties. Explore Cola’s connections to Accra, Ghana; Kaiserslautern, Germany; and Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
If you’re trying to reach new running goals, consider signing up for one of these upcoming races or find ways to get more steps in around Columbia
From snowstorms to memorable snowfalls and winter weather locals can expect to see later this season, we’re recapping the history of snow in Columbia.
It’s the holiday season and a perfect time to help a neighbor. This list of volunteer opportunities in Columbia, SC includes everything from Sistercare to the Columbia Museum of Art.
Nominate your neighborhoods, share your holiday light-seeing traditions, or even brag about your own house if you decorate at level 10. We’re looking for reader recommendations on where the best holiday light displays are in the Midlands.
Discover Columbia’s late-night dining spots, from Tex-Mex and pizza to pub fare and desserts, perfect for post-11 p.m. cravings.
Want to get involved locally but don’t know how? Browse through the City of Columbia’s city boards and commissions that have vacancies and apply.
We’re giving you the 411 on the Cola’s landmarks — from the Gervais Street Bridge to Adluh Flour. Learn about their history, fun facts, and just why Soda Citizens and visitors alike find them so iconic.
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.