by C.J. Gustafson
ComputerSchools.com Contributing Writer
July 12, 2005
Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, was built on the site of The Congarees,
a frontier fort on the west bank of the Congaree River. As the result of a bill
introduced by State Senator John Lewis Gervais and approved by the legislature
in 1786, the capital was moved from Charleston in the southeast part of the
state to the current centralized location in 1790. A plan was created for a
town of 400 blocks in a two-mile square along the river, and Columbia incorporated
and became the first planned capital in the U.S. in 1805. Just over 10 years
later, there were 250 homes in the town and over 1,000 residents.
In December of 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from
the Union, putting Columbia at the forefront of the Civil War. In February of
1865, much of the city was destroyed by fire during an attack by Sherman and
his troops. After the war ended and South Carolina rejoined the Union, the city
was rebuilt and became chartered in 1854. The city continued to grow, annexing
surrounding communities beginning in 1870. Today Columbia covers slightly more
than 125 square miles and has a population of over 116,000. The surrounding
metropolitan area, which includes numerous nearby towns, is home to nearly 665,000
people, making it the biggest in the state.
Diverse Employment Base
Education has played a large role in the development of the city and continues
to be an important factor today. The two local school districts join the University
of South Carolina as some of the city's largest employers. Columbia is also
home to the largest Army base in the country. Other top employers include Palmetto
Health Alliance Health Care and Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina. Technology
companies such as Affinity, NCR, Policy Management Systems (PMSC), and Solectron
have headquarters or offices in the city.
Computers & Technology
Technology is an important industry in the city and the surrounding communities. The University of South Carolina, which was chartered in 1801, hosts the USC Technology Incubator, which "aims to recruit, build, and launch new technology-driven companies that support the development of a highly skilled workforce, advance technology and research through the development of new products and services, and enhance the economic development of South Carolina through the creation of opportunities and wealth."
Technological development in the area is guided in part by the Columbia Regional
Technology Plan. According to those involved with this plan, the city has many
important features needed to position the city as South Carolina's technology
center. "We know the elements for success are here: outstanding technology infrastructure,
an active entrepreneurial community, a major research university, and a fantastic
diverse quality of life. New and growing partnerships with the University of
South Carolina and the State of South Carolina give us renewed energy to do
what needs to be done to achieve success."
The Columbia Regional Wi-Fi Initiative, a cooperative effort between the City
of Columbia and the University of South Carolina, is another example of the
serious and innovative ways Columbia is striving to establish outstanding technology
opportunities and infrastructure.
Colleges & Training Centers
In addition to the University of South Carolina, Computer Science & Engineering, Columbia is home to several other colleges and training centers, including Columbia College, Department of Mathematics & Computing, Benedict College, Mathematics & Computer Science Department, South University, and Midlands Technical College.
Students at these institutions can earn degrees in Computer-Aided Design (CAD),
Computer Animation/Computer Graphics, Web Design and Development, Computer Programming
and Security, Networking, Information Technology, Computer Repair, and other
computer science fields. They can also prepare for Microsoft certification tests
and other industry credentialing.
Columbia has a long history of well-respected educational institutions, and it has many opportunities for those individuals who are seeking training in the computer technology fields. In addition, current businesses and development initiatives provide internship possibilities for students as well as employment opportunities upon graduation. The city is a top choice for those who enjoy a southern climate in a mid-sized metropolitan area.
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