Welcome to beautiful South Carolina. Whether you're a resident or visitor of Columbia,
you'll gather countless memories. Our city is rich in culture and deep in history. Visit The Vista and browse
historic Gervais Street on the banks of the Congaree River. Stop by our site often for interesting tidbits of information.
You can also check out the Historic Columbia Foundation website below.
Bookmark our site
www.vistaontheriver.com and come back soon!
Finlay Park is named for former mayor Kirkman
Finlay, a man whose vision and hard work initiated many of the Vista's projects.
Mayor Finlay gave the Congaree Vista its name, a name that reflects the area's
physical description as well as a prediction for its future.
VISTA TIMELINE June 20, 1842.....The first passenger train rolls into Columbia.
1864....The Confederate
Printing Plant is
built at Huger and Gervais Streets.
1867....Howard School, the only public school for blacks at the time
in
Columbia, opens on Hampton and Lincoln Streets.
1894... Columbia Mill, the first electrically powered textile mill
in the
country, begins operation. It now houses the S.C. State Museum.
Mann-Simons
Cottage
Celia Mann, a slave who acquired her freedom in Charleston and then walked to
Columbia, purchased the cottage circa 1850. Her descendants occupied the home
for more than 100 years. This house is located at 1403 Richland Street in The
Vista.
Main Street and State Capitol Building, Columbia, SC Penny Postcard
