South Carolina College established in Columbia

Background. Columbia was selected as South Carolina's state capital in 1786, a choice aided by its position at the head of navigation on the Congaree River. Separately, the Santee Canal, completed in 1800, established a direct inland water route to Charleston and was among the earliest canals constructed in the United States. In 1801 the city expanded its role as South Carolina's political and educational center with the founding of South Carolina College.

Establishment. South Carolina College was founded on December 19, 1801, by an act of the South Carolina General Assembly. Governor John Drayton initiated the legislation to promote harmony between the Lowcountry and the Backcountry. The college was chartered as South Carolina College, which later became the University of South Carolina, the state's flagship public university.