History

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Events
Ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Columbia and how to commemorate his life and legacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
January 15, 2026 12:15 PM
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David Stringer
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History
Then and now on the 1400 block of Main Street
The 1400 block of Main Street has seen city halls, fires, banks, and modern design, and now it’s changing again.
May 14, 2025
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David Stringer
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City
Celebrate Bike + Preservation Month in Cola
Celebrate Columbia’s history and bike culture with events, tours, and rides throughout May.
April 30, 2025
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David Stringer
Jackie Robinson wearing a suite and tie surrounded by a group of people .
Culture
Jackie Robinson’s history in Columbia
The trailblazing player visited Columbia after retiring from baseball, and his legacy will be honored at a Fireflies game.
April 14, 2025
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Michael Beausoleil
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Food
10 pimento cheeseburgers to try in the Soda City
Celebrate National Pimento Cheese Day with 10 must-try pimento cheeseburgers in Columbia — plus a bonus pizza twist.
April 8, 2025
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David Stringer
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City
Celebrating The Great Gatsby at USC
USC’s exhibit celebrates The Great Gatsby at 100 with rare artifacts, first editions, and global literary context.
April 8, 2025
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David Stringer
A black and white photo of a man standing outside the Joyful Alternative's Greene Street shop front.
History
Celebrating 8 with stories of Columbia’s past
To celebrate COLAtoday’s eighth anniversary, we’re highlighting eight favorite local history stories that shaped Columbia’s past and present.
April 2, 2025
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David Stringer
The Columbia skyline | Photo by COLAtoday team
Culture
6 unbelievable Columbia and South Carolina headlines
These stories look like they’re stranger than fiction, but there are no jokes here. All of these headlines really found their way into the news.
March 31, 2025
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Michael Beausoleil
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History
Columbia’s Historical Markers: Columbia College
Explore the rich legacy of Columbia College, a historic campus once exclusive to women, now celebrating over 150 years of change.
March 21, 2025
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David Stringer
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History
The history of St. Pat’s in Five Points
St. Pat’s in Five Points grew from a small gathering into Columbia’s biggest festival.
March 12, 2025
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David Stringer
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History
6 ways to honor Black history in Columbia
Discover more about Columbia’s African American history.
February 14, 2025
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David Stringer
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Latest News
More from COLAtoday
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Development
Vista block along Senate Street set for redevelopment
The $80 million LOCAL Columbia development will add new apartments, retail space, parking, and streetscape improvements just one block from the State House.
December 10, 2025
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David Stringer
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Development
Work on 2222 Main View apartments is underway
CF Evans has started building 2222 Main View, a 320-unit luxury apartment project coming to Main Street by 2027.
December 8, 2025
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David Stringer
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Small Business
Winners announced for COLAtoday’s Best 2025
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
December 8, 2025
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Sarah Leonhardt
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City
COLAtoday 2025 Recap: The big news stories of 2025
It’s not just your year in music — we’ve also rounded up your year in local news.
December 4, 2025
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David Stringer
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Outdoors
How to turn your Midlands yard into a mini wildlife haven
A grassroots effort is helping Midlands properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
December 3, 2025
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David Stringer
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Business
Publix to open new downtown store in BullStreet District
Publix will open a new 50,000-sqft downtown store in the BullStreet District, expanding walkable grocery access with construction starting in 2026.
December 3, 2025
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David Stringer
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Business
Slip 53 to open in Five Points in spring 2026
Slip 53, a coastal-inspired oyster and seafood spot, will open in the former Pecknel Music Co. building.
December 2, 2025
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David Stringer
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Business
How to shop local on Small Business Saturday
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
November 26, 2025
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David Stringer
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1.75 million lights illuminate Segra Park
Here’s what to do, see, and eat during this year’s Fireflies Holiday Lights at Segra Park.
November 24, 2025
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David Stringer
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Development
All aboard Seaboard Vista, a new mixed-use redevelopment
Seaboard Vista will restore four historic Vista buildings into a 47,590-sqft mixed-use district with dining, retail, offices, and lofts.
November 20, 2025
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David Stringer