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 Forklift Masts Columbia - The city of Columbia is the biggest city and the state capital of South Carolina. The 2010 Census listed the population at 129,272. The city of Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, even though a section of the city does extend into nearby County of Lexington. The city of Columbia is a part of the biggest metropolitan statistical area in the state with about 767,600 people. The name Columbia originated from Christopher Columbus as a poetic term for the Americas.
The city is approximately 21km or 13 miles northwest of the geographic centre of the state and is the center for the midlands area of the state of South Carolina. This particular area comprises several counties in the central portion of the state of South Carolina. The city of Columbia is located at the convergence of two rivers, the Broad River and the Saluda River which merges at the city of Columbia and forms the Congaree River.
The city was created in 1786 by the South Carolina General Assembly and was a vital centre for the overall growth of the state. For instance, the Congarees was a frontier fort located on the west bank of the Congaree River and was the head of navigation in the Santee River system. In 1754, the colonial government established a ferry to connect the fort with the growing settlements located on the east bank's higher grounds.
The city of Columbia is on the fall line from the Appalachian Mountains, similar to many other major early settlements in colonial America. The fall line refers to the spot where rivers usually become hard to navigate when sailing upstream. It is also the spot farthest downstream where often falling water can be utilized so as to power a mill.
The city of Columbia enjoys a diversified economy. Amongst the main employers comprise state government, Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC, University of South Carolina and the Palmetto Health Hospital System. In addition, the U.S. Army's second largest training facility, Fort Jackson, is also situated in Columbia.
There are several company headquarters located within the city of Columbia like for instance SCANA, a Fortune 500 company and a major supplemental insurance company referred to as Colonial Supplemental Insurance. In addition, Spectrum Medical, an international medical software corporation as well as a software development company, Collexis Holdings Inc. are situated in the vicinity. First Citizens Bank, among the biggest banks in the state of North Carolina, as well as a major national law firm called Nelson Mullins have their headquarters in the city of Columbia as well.
Some major manufacturers who have facilities within Columbia include Square D, CMC Steel, Honeywell, International Paper, Trane, Spirax Sacro, Westinghouse Electric, Pirelli Cables, Solectron, and Harsco Track Tech. The Columbia region consists of over 70 global affiliated companies.
Among the greatest assets within the area is the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. This is a sanctuary for over 2000 animals. These creatures are housed in natural habitat exhibits along the Saluda River. The botanical garden is located just across the river. This 70-acre or 280,000 m2 botanical garden is devoted to woodlands, plant collections, historic ruins and gardens.
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