History of Columbus, Georgia, USA

1854 - Columbus
Columbus, a flourishing city of Georgia, and seat of justice of Muscogee county, on the left (E.) bank of the Chattahoochee river, 90 miles W. S. W. from Macon, 128 miles W. S. W. from Milledgeville, and 290 miles W. from Savannah. The city is laid out in oblong blocks of 4 acres, each of which is divided into eight square lots. It extends one mile and a quarter in the direction of the river, and about half a mile to wards the interior. The court house is one of the finest buildings of its class in the state. Many of the private houses are well built and pleasantly embowered with trees. Columbus contains 7 or 8 places of worship, 1 orphan asylum, a number of excellent schools, and 3 or 4 newspaper offices. A hand some bridge extends across the river and connects the city with the village of Girard. It is the third city of the state in population and wealth, and has an advantageous position for trade and manufactures. The river, which in this part of its course forms the boundary... Read MORE...

1895 - Columbus
Columbus, a thriving city, capital of Muscogee co., Ga., is on the E. bank of the Chattahoochee River, 100 miles direct (or 136 miles by the road) S.S.W. of Atlanta, and 100 miles by railroad W.S.W. of Macon. It is connected with Macon by the Southwestern Railroad, and is the southern terminus of the North & South Railroad. The Western (Alabama) and Mobile & Girard Railroads terminate at Girard, on the opposite side of the river, which is here crossed by a bridge. Columbus is at the head of navigation, and has a large trade in cotton, about 60,000 bales of which are annually received here. The river at this place affords extensive water-power, which is utilized in the manufacture of cotton and woollen goods, flour, &c. The Eagle & Phoenix Manufacturing Company of this place have the largest cotton- and woollen-mills in the South, employ about 900 operatives, and manufacture a variety of colored goods, ginghams, cottonades, &c. The Columbus Iron-Works manufacture engines, boilers,... Read MORE...

1900 - Electric Plant at Columbus is Under Water and Street Cars Stopped - No Electric Lights.
Columbus, Ga., February 13. (Special.) - The Chattahoochee river, after having risen several inches today, was at a standstill at 11 o'clock tonight. The rapid rise of the earlier hours today was not kept up, and thus the wagon bridges were saved, for the present at least. For several hours the river was stationary, but this afternoon it began to rise again an inch or so an hour. If the last big rain from up the country has reached here the river is now at its height, and from now on will gradually subside, but if the new water is yet to come the results will be serious, as the river has been within two or three feet of the danger line all day. The lower wagon bridge is three feet from the water.

W. C. WHITNER, chief engineer of the Columbus Power Company, estimated tonight that the damage to the North Highlands contractors, HADAWAY JONES & CO., will be between five and ten thousand dollars. Every derrick but one has been swept away, several engines have been carried off, and the... Read MORE...

1908 - TRAIN BUMPED ALONG ON THE CROSS-TIES. A Slight Freight Wreck on the Seaboard Yesterday.
Yesterday morning about 6:30 o'clock as No. 121, local freight of the Seaboard Air Line, was pulling into the city, the engine and one box car left the track near the Lummus gin plant, and ran for about 50 feet on the crossties. It seems that the switch on the spur leading into the Lummus company's yard had been turned for the train to enter the yard, and when the train reached this point the engine, instead of entering the yard, mounted the rail and dropped off onto the ties, followed by the box car. Mr. Guess, the section foreman, states that he does not know who turned the switch on the spur track, but that it must have been done sometime during the night. Freights Nos. 77 and 79 were delayed somewhat by the wreck as it required some little time to pull the engine and car on the track again and repair the track. The services of three other engines were required to pull the engine of No. 121 back on the track again.
The Columbus Enquirer-Sun
Columbus, Georgia
May 21, 1908

1916
Columbus, a city, capital of Muscogee co., Ga., is on the E. bank of the Chattahoochee River, si the head of navigation, and on the Georgia Central, the Southern, and the Georgia and Alabama Rs., 100 miles SSW. of Atlanta. The city lies opposite Girard and Phoenix City. The river at this place affords extensive water-power. Some of the largest cotton-mills in the South are located here, manufacturing colored goods, ginghams, cottonades, etc. The annual receipts of cotton are about 150,000 bales. There are also very extensive iron-works, manufacturing engines, boilers, steamboats, sugar-mills, cotton-screws, etc. Steam boats ply regularly between Columbus and Apalachicola. Many of the residences in this city and its environs are large and beautiful and are enclosed by grounds adorned with flowers and shrubbery. Pop. in 1890, 17,303 ; in 1900, 17,614.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1938 - 10 PRISONERS HURT IN JAIL EXPLOSION. EIGHT OTHERS ARE MISSING AS BLAST RIPS THROUGH GEORGIA LOCKUP.
Columbus, Ga., Oct. 21. (AP) - Ten prisoners were injured and eight were unaccounted for today after an explosion ripped out a corner of county jail.

City Police Chief H. W. Cornett said the explosion apparently was caused by firing up a steam boiler in the basement.

The blast tore a hole about 12 feet high and 15 feet back from the corner on either wall. It left a portion of a cell block hanging.
The jail is three stories. The explosion tore out the wall of a one-story kitchen. The three-story portion extended partly over the kitchen.

Police said there were 75 prisoners. Forty-one were transferred to city jail; the 10 injured were in city hospital and 16 were kept in the jail enclosure.

Firemen shoveled out debris to make certain none of the eight unaccounted for prisoners had fallen into the basement.

Eight of the injured were negroes. Hospital attaches had not determined exact extent of the injuries.

The explosion did not wreck any cell blocks and apparently... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Columbus:
National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center:

This is a must-visit for history buffs. It's an interactive museum that honors the history of the U.S. Army Infantry.

Columbus Riverwalk:

Take a stroll along the beautiful Chattahoochee River on the Columbus Riverwalk. It's a scenic path with parks, fountains, and great views.

Coca-Cola Space Science Center:

Perfect for families and space enthusiasts. It offers hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and space artifacts.

Fort Benning:

Explore the U.S. Army post, which has a rich history. The National Infantry Museum is located here, and you can also check out the Infantry Heritage Walk.

Callaway Gardens:

A bit outside Columbus, but worth the drive. It's a stunning resort with beautiful gardens, a butterfly conservatory, and outdoor activities like zip-lining.

Big Dog Running Company:

If you're into fitness or just want to explore the city on foot, check out Big Dog Running Company. They organize group runs and ... Read MORE...