Brush Up On Your Facts about Our Capital City

Columbia was founded in 1786 and is the capital of South Carolina, but that’s information everyone knows. Whether you are a lifelong resident or new to the area, there are probably some fun history facts you never heard before. We highlight three facts about the name, history, and local nature. Just imagine how smart you will look when sharing this information among your inner circle.

After you are done learning more about Columbia, prepare for your next ride around the city. Visit BMW of Columbia for a test drive of the latest luxury cars and SUVs. You can relax behind the wheel in the cabin of a new BMW today.

Columbia is Known as Soda City, But Not Because of Beverages

Why do the locals call Columbia, “Soda City?” The answer is less complicated than you might think. When the city’s name is abbreviated, it spells COLA. The first time the term was used was at the local farmer’s market, dubbed Soda City market. There was once a Coca-Cola bottling plant in the city, but it had nothing to do with the nickname. While Soda City might have nothing to do with the carbonated beverage, you can still celebrate and commemorate the region with a can of your favorite brand.

This Old City Lacks Historic Buildings

Considering that Columbia was founded at the end of the 18th century, you would expect to see many older buildings, but that’s not the case. Even though many buildings were constructed in the early days, they didn’t last long. On February 17, 1865, Union soldiers from General William Tecumseh Sherman’s army ransacked the city. In the end, two-thirds of Columbia was burned down during the Civil War, requiring the city to rebuild.

Even after all the destruction, there were still a few historic buildings to enjoy. Seibels House & Garden is believed to be the oldest, dating back to 1796. It’s even mentioned in many historical travelogues, pointing to the exquisite gardens and notable architecture. If you want an enjoyable experience, consider touring the gardens for yourself.

Rare Nighttime Illumination Occurs in Columbia

Synchronous fireflies light up the sky all at once, but you can only find them in a handful of locations around the world. If you want to see the nighttime spectacular in the United States, you should head to Congaree National Park, which is right outside of Columbia. The best time to see this remarkable act of nature is at the end of May and the beginning of June.

Locals are fond of the fireflies, even finding ways to commemorate them. In 2016, the city started a minor league baseball team, which was affectionately named the Columbia Fireflies. For even more fun, the team sells merchandise that glows in the dark.

Celebrate Columbia Behind the Wheel of a New BMW

There’s so much to love about our great capital city, from the extraordinary history to the spectacular sights. You can elevate your experience when you travel through town in your new BMW car or SUV. BMW of Columbia serves the community by offering the latest lineup and providing exceptional customer service. We also have a respected service department standing by for all your maintenance and repair needs. Visit us today to test drive a new BMW in Columbia, SC.