Columbia, South Carolina burns as Union forces enter

Background. Columbia served as the capital of South Carolina and a crucial hub for the Confederacy. It was a center for government, transportation, and military production, including the manufacture of war materiel. By 1865, the city had also become the Confederacy's last major breadbasket, making it strategically significant for Union forces advancing through the region.

Destruction. Much of Columbia was destroyed during the burning in 1865. The event occurred as Union forces entered the city, leading to widespread damage. Historical accounts describe the burning as a significant act of destruction during the war, impacting the city's infrastructure and civilian population.

Reconstruction. Following the destruction, Columbia began rebuilding during the Reconstruction era. A modest construction boom and the repair of railroads helped restore the commercial district. The city emerged as a principal commercial and industrial center in the South Carolina Midlands, reflecting its recovery from the war's devastation.