Originally named Elizabethtown established in 1793 on the banks of the Scuppernong River, present day Columbia (renamed in 1801) has been nominated several time for the annual American Dream Town. Victorian charm, historic preservation and ecological conservation makes this town a good place to visit of stay. Columbia contains 85% of the Tyrrell County’s protected land (tens of thousands of acres), opening up a wide expanse of interest for nature exploration and adventurers. The Scuppernong River, the Algonguian Indian name that means “the place of the sweet bay tree”, enthralls visitors as a picturesque waterfront, encouraging those who visit to stay (thus changing the local demographics). In addition to the Scuppernong River, proximity to the Outer Banks has increased property values since 2000. As a small town, swamp forests and peat wetlands having slowed the settling into the 20th century, Columbia was home to only 819 people in 2000. Columbia is experiencing more expansion in recent time especially due to the easy access made available through US-64.
Columbia Photos
