This year, Richland County marks its 215th anniversary.
In 1799, the County – known throughout the state for its rich farm land and centralized location – began its path toward self-governance.
The area known today as Richland County was created in 1785 by the General Assembly as part of the larger Camden District. The sprawling Camden District also included areas that would become Chester, Fairfield, York and other counties. In the ensuing years, efforts were made to bolster Richland’s position as the center of state government.
As the year 1799 drew to a close, “Richland County can be said to have begun its existence as an independent entity,” states John Hammond Moore in his book “Columbia & Richland County: A South Carolina Community, 1740-1990.”
It was on Dec. 18, 1799, according to the “South Carolina Atlas of Historical County Boundaries” that Richland County – then referred to as a district – was established as an standalone district, separate from the Camden District.