Columbus (Georgia)

Columbus (Georgia)


Columbus was founded in 1828, at the beginning of the navigable portion of the Chattahoochee River, to serve as a place where ships could be loaded to export commodities. It was named after Christopher Columbus. There are numerous historic buildings, museums and other places of interest in Columbus.

The city is divided into 5 regions:
  • Downtown is often referred to as Uptown, because of its elevated location. It encompasses the Central Business District (CBD), as well as several historic districts
  • East Columbus mostly consists of residential areas.
  • Midtown encompasses many historic buildings.
  • North Columbus is also known as Northside. It is the location of numerous hotels.
  • South Columbus is sometimes referred to as Southside.

Points of interest
  • The Aflac Building was constructed in 1975. The skyscraper is 85 m (278 ft) tall, making it the tallest building in Columbus. It is located at 1932 Wynnton Road.
  • The Central of Georgia Railroad Terminal.
  • The Columbus Consolidated Government Center is the seat of the city government.
  • The Columbus Historic Riverfront Industrial District encompasses 5 historic industrial complexes.
    • The Bibb Mill is a water-powered mill that dates from the early 20th century. It was in use until 1954.
    • The City Mills were constructed in 1869 as a grist mill and later converted for the production of electricity. It operated until the 1960s.
    • The Muscogee Mills date from 1844.
    • The Eagle and Phenix Mills comprise 3 mills that were constructed in the 19th century.
    • The Columbus Ironworks was originally built in 1853, but a fire destroyed the original buildings in 1902, so only early 20th century buildings remain. It is located at 901 Front Avenue.
  • The Columbus Public Library.
  • The Dinglewood House was built in 1858 in the Italianate style. It is located at 1429 Dinglewood Street.
  • Fort Benning was constructed in 1909 and originally named after Confederate General Henry L. Benning. Because of the removal of names associated with the Confederacy, it was renamed Fort Moore in 2023, but in 2025, it got its original name back and this time to commemorate Fred G. Benning, who was a U.S. army soldier.
  • The Ledger-Enquirer Building.
  • The The Liberty Theater.
  • The Ma Rainey Home is the former home of blues singer Gertrude 'Ma' Rainey.
  • The Mott House was built in 1839. The historic residence was completely destroyed by fire in 2014. A replica of its Antebellum façade was contructed at the site as a memorial to the building. It is located at 527 1st Avenue.
  • The Octagon House was built in 1829 and it was enlarged in 1863. The building is also known as May's Folly. It is located at 527 1st Avenue in the Historic District of Columbus.
  • The Old City Jail.
  • The RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is a venue for modern performances. It opened in 2002.
  • The Springer Opera House opened in 1871. It is located at 103 Tenth Street.
  • The U.S. Post Office and Courthouse was completed in 1933. It is located at 120 12th Street.
  • Columbus boasts the world's longest urban whitewater rafting course. It is in the Chattahoochee River.
  • The Wynnton Arts Academy was founded in 1837 as Wynnton Academy. It is the oldest continuously used elementary school in Georgia.
Museums
  • The Coca-Cola Challenger Space Science Center opened in 1996. It is dedicated to the education in science, physics and astronomy. It includes 7 flight simulators and a planetarium.
  • Columbus Museum was established in 1953. It exhibits American art and houses a collection of items, related the the region's history. The museum is located at the western end of Wynnton Road.
  • The National Civil War Naval Museum opened in 1962. The museum has an exhibition on the Civil War Battle of Columbus. The collection includes Civil War era military vessels, uniforms, equipment and weapons used by both the Union and Confederate navies. In 2001, the museum was relocated to its current location at 1002 Victory Drive.
  • The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center opened in 2009. It is located adjacent to the Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence at 1775 Legacy Way.
Churches
  • The Catholic Church of the Holy Family was consecrated in 1880. It was built in the Gothic Revival style and it stands a the location of an earlier church that had been built there in 1829, but had become too small. The church is located at 320 12th Street.
  • The First African Baptist Church was completed in 1915.
  • The Fourth Street Baptist Church.
  • The Friendship Baptist Church.
  • The Greater Shady Grove Baptist Church.
  • The Metropolitan Baptist Church.
  • The St. James AME Church
  • The St. John AME Church.
Recreational areas
  • The Black Heritage Trail was dedicated in 2000. It connects 30 African American Heritage Points of interest.
  • The Chattahoochee RiverWalk consists of a series of walking and biking trails along the Chattahoochee River. The trail is 35 km (22 mi) long and it includes asphalt, concrete and brick-paved sections. Construction began in 1989 and the last sections were completed in 2011.
  • Oxbow Meadows features numerous walking trails and a learning center, where you can see interesting insect and animal displays.
  • Weracoba Park is also known as Lakebottom Park. It was established in 1890, making it the oldest park in Columbus. It features ball fields, tennis courts, a basketball court and a playground, as well as walking and running tracks.

There are many hotels and restaurants in Columbus.

The city is located on the Chattahoochee River in the west of the U.S. state of Georgia. On the other side of the river is Phenix City in Alabama. Columbus is about 160 km (100 mi) southwest of Atlanta and 1,030 km southwest from Washington D.C.

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