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61-465: Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is a geological preserve and public recreation area encompassing 2,273 acres (920 ha), five miles (8.0 km) south of Columbia in Boone County , Missouri off of Missouri Route 163 . The park is home to 12 caves. The state park is noted for its excellent examples of karst landforms including the rock bridge, sinkholes , and an underground stream at

122-546: A base from which Union troops operated. No battles were fought within the city because the presence of Union troops dissuaded Confederate guerrillas from attacking, though several major battles occurred at nearby Boonville and Centralia . After Reconstruction, race relations in Columbia followed the Southern pattern of increasing violence of whites against blacks in efforts to suppress voting and free movement: George Burke,

183-544: A black man who worked at the university, was lynched in 1889. In the spring of 1923, James T. Scott, an African-American janitor at the University of Missouri, was arrested on allegations of raping a university professor's daughter. He was taken from the county jail and lynched on April 29 before a white mob of roughly two thousand people, hanged from the Old Stewart Road Bridge. In the 21st century,

244-462: A century and became a gathering place for people in the surrounding area. In 1961, a University of Missouri professor, Lew Stoerker's, nine-year-old daughter, Carol Lousie, was killed in a hit-and-run accident. In order to memorialize her and create a safe area for children, the state park opened in 1967. The boardwalk on the Devil's Icebox Trail gives access to the park's primary karst features and

305-496: A half marathon and 10k race and a gospel celebration during the festival weekend. The festival is organized by Thumper Entertainment, which also manages the non-profit Roots N Blues Foundation in support of Blues in the Schools, a youth music education program. The Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival began in 2007 as a free promotional event celebrating the 150-year birthday of Boone County National Bank (now Central Bank of Boone County) on

366-706: A manufacturing center. Companies like Shelter Insurance , Carfax , Veterans United Home Loans , Slackers CDs and Games , and Dungarees were founded in the city. Cultural institutions include the State Historical Society of Missouri , the Museum of Art and Archaeology , and the annual True/False Film Festival and the Roots N Blues Festival . The Missouri Tigers , the state's only college athletic program which sponsors FBS football , play football at Faurot Field and basketball at Mizzou Arena as members of

427-426: A margin of error of +/- $ 2,355) and the median family income $ 81,392 (+/- $ 5,687). Males had a median income of $ 30,578 (+/- $ 2,131) versus $ 23,705 (+/- $ 1,849) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $ 26,870 (+/- $ 1,429). Approximately, 8.5% of families and 20.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 15.7% of those under the age of 18 and 5.2% of those ages 65 or over. As of

488-493: A new county be created from territorial Howard County . The Moniteau Creek on the west and Cedar Creek on the east were obvious natural boundaries. Believing it was only a matter of time before a county seat was chosen, the Smithton Land Company was formed to purchase over 2,000 acres (8.1 km ) to establish the village of Smithton (near the present-day intersection of Walnut and Garth). In 1819 Smithton

549-459: A number of efforts have been undertaken to recognize Scott's death. In 2010 his death certificate was changed to reflect that he was never tried or convicted of charges, and that he had been lynched. In 2011 a headstone was put at his grave at Columbia Cemetery; it includes his wife's and parents' names and dates, to provide a more full account of his life. In 2016, a marker was erected at the lynching site to memorialize Scott. 5 years later, in 2021,

610-511: A permanent county seat. Smithton never had more than twenty people, and it was quickly realized that well digging was difficult because of the bedrock. Springs were discovered across the Flat Branch Creek , so in the spring of 1821 Columbia was laid out, and the inhabitants of Smithton moved their cabins to the new town. The first house in Columbia was built by Thomas Duly in 1820 at what became Fifth and Broadway. Columbia's permanence

671-483: A regional office in Columbia. In addition, the now-defunct Silvey Insurance was a large local employer. Columbia became a transportation crossroads when U.S. Route 63 and U.S. Route 40 (which was improved as present-day Interstate 70 ) were routed through the city. Soon after, the city opened the Columbia Regional Airport . By 2000, the city's population was nearly 85,000. In 2017, Columbia

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732-644: A stagecoach stop of the Santa Fe and Oregon trails, and later from the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad . In 1822, William Jewell set up the first hospital. In 1830, the first newspaper began; in 1832, the first theater in the state was opened; and in 1835, the state's first agricultural fair was held. By 1839, the population of 13,000 and wealth of Boone County was exceeded in Missouri only by that of St. Louis County , which, at that time, included

793-471: A stone dam being built to harness the power to operate a gristmill . In 1834, the first paper mill west of the Mississippi River was built at the site, then a whiskey distillery was built in 1847. Later, a blacksmith , stores, homes, and roads made up the historical community of Rockbridge Mills, also known as Pierpont. Although privately owned, the area was open to the public for more than

854-419: Is an area of approximately one square mile surrounded by the University of Missouri on the south, Stephens College to the east, and Columbia College on the north. The area serves as Columbia's financial and business district. Since the early-21st century, a large number of high-rise apartment complexes have been built in downtown Columbia. Many of these buildings also offer mixed-use business and retail space on

915-660: Is historically dominated by education, healthcare, and insurance. Jobs in government are also common, either in Columbia or a half-hour south in Jefferson City . The Columbia Regional Airport and the Missouri River Port of Rocheport connect the region with trade and transportation. With a Gross Metropolitan Product of $ 9.6 billion in 2018, Columbia's economy makes up 3% of the Gross State Product of Missouri. Columbia's metro area economy

976-484: Is one of the most well known theaters in Columbia. The city is home to Stephens College, a private institution known for performing arts. Their season includes multiple plays and musicals. The University of Missouri and Columbia College also present multiple productions a year. The city's three public high schools are also known for their productions. Rock Bridge High School performs a musical in November and two plays in

1037-757: Is slightly larger than the economy of Rwanda . Insurance corporations headquartered in Columbia include Shelter Insurance and the Columbia Insurance Group . Other organizations include StorageMart , Veterans United Home Loans , MFA Incorporated , the Missouri State High School Activities Association , and MFA Oil . Companies such as Socket , Datastorm Technologies, Inc. (no longer existent), Slackers CDs and Games , Carfax , and MBS Textbook Exchange were all founded in Columbia. According to Columbia's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,

1098-698: Is the only natural home of the planarian Kenkia glandulosa, an eyeless and de-pigmented flatworm. The cave is also home to species of salamanders , frogs, troglobites , millipede , spiders, bats, and springtail . Columbia has a humid continental climate ( Köppen Dfa) marked by sharp seasonal contrasts in temperature, and is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a. The monthly daily average temperature ranges from 31.0 °F (−0.6 °C) in January to 78.5 °F (25.8 °C) in July, while

1159-423: Is unusually diverse, over 8% foreign-born. White and black people are the largest ethnicities, and people of Asian descent are the third-largest group. Columbia has been known as the "Athens of Missouri" for its classic beauty and educational emphasis, but is more commonly called "CoMo". Columbia's origins begin with the settlement of American pioneers from Kentucky and Virginia in an early 1800s region known as

1220-559: The Boonslick . Before 1815 settlement in the region was confined to small log forts due to the threat of Native American attack during the War of 1812 . When the war ended settlers came on foot, horseback, and wagon, often moving entire households along the Boone's Lick Road and sometimes bringing enslaved African Americans . By 1818 it was clear that the increased population would necessitate

1281-626: The Missouri Theatre , the university's multipurpose Hearnes Center , the university's Mizzou Arena , The Blue Note , and Rose Music Hall . Shelter Gardens, a park on the campus of Shelter Insurance headquarters, also hosts outdoor performances during the summer. The University of Missouri School of Music attracts hundreds of musicians to Columbia, student performances are held in Whitmore Recital Hall. Among many non-profit organizations for classical music are included

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1342-724: The Northern Plains . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 67.45 square miles (174.69 km ), of which 67.17 square miles (173.97 km ) is land and 0.28 square miles (0.73 km ) is water. The city generally slopes from the highest point in the Northeast to the lowest point in the Southwest towards the Missouri River. Prominent tributaries of

1403-693: The State Historical Society of Missouri . The "We Always Swing" Jazz Series and the Roots N Blues Festival is held in Columbia. "9th Street Summerfest" (now hosted in Rose Park at Rose Music Hall) closes part of that street several nights each summer to hold outdoor performances and has featured Willie Nelson (2009), Snoop Dogg (2010), The Flaming Lips (2010), Weird Al Yankovic (2013), and others. The "University Concert Series" regularly includes musicians and dancers from various genres, typically in Jesse Hall . Other musical venues in town include

1464-670: The University of Missouri , was founded in 1839. When the state legislature decided to establish a state university, Columbia raised three times as much money as any competing city, and James S. Rollins donated the land that is today the Francis Quadrangle. Soon other educational institutions were founded in Columbia, such as Christian Female College, the first college for women west of the Mississippi, which later became Columbia College . The city benefited from being

1525-493: The "Odyssey Chamber Music Series", " Missouri Symphony ", "Columbia Community Band", and "Columbia Civic Orchestra". Founded in 2006, the "Plowman Chamber Music Competition" is a biennial competition held in March/April of odd-numbered years, considered to be one of the finest, top five chamber music competitions in the nation. Columbia has multiple opportunities to watch and perform in theatrical productions. Ragtag Cinema

1586-574: The City of St. Louis . Columbia's infrastructure was relatively untouched by the Civil War . As a slave state, Missouri had many residents with Southern sympathies, but it stayed in the Union. The majority of the city was pro-Union; however, the surrounding agricultural areas of Boone County and the rest of central Missouri were decidedly pro-Confederate. Because of this, the University of Missouri became

1647-685: The MKT recreation trail. Populations of bald eagles are found by the Missouri River. The city is on the Mississippi Flyway , used by migrating birds, and has a large variety of small bird species, common to the eastern U.S. The Eurasian tree sparrow, an introduced species, is limited in North America to the counties surrounding St. Louis. Columbia has large areas of forested and open land and many of these areas are home to wildlife. The Devil's Icebox Cave in Columbia's Rock Bridge State Park

1708-459: The Roots N Blues Foundation was formed to manage the program. In 2008, Thumper Entertainment was established and took over organization and operation of the festival. Woodruff Sweitzer and King continued ownership of the festival and Thumper Entertainment. In 2013, the festival was moved to Stephens Lake Park. After the change of location, the festival saw a decline in attendance, from 52,000 in

1769-407: The average family size was 2.92. In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.7% under the age of 18, 26.7% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 16.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males. The median income for a household in the city

1830-418: The cave known as Devil's Icebox . The rock bridge was created by the collapse of a section of a cave which resulted in a small arch of rock being left to form a natural bridge over the creek. The park is the only known home of Kenkia glandulosa , more commonly known as the pink planarian. Throughout the 1800's, the Devil's Icebox stream that flows through the rock bridge was a power source for settlers, with

1891-508: The census of 2010, 108,500 people, 43,065 households, and 21,418 families resided in the city. The population density was 1,720.0 inhabitants per square mile (664.1/km ). There were 46,758 housing units at an average density of 741.2 per square mile (286.2/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 79.0% White , 11.3% African American , 0.3% Native American , 5.2% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 1.1% from other races , and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4% of

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1952-889: The city are listed on the National Register of Historic Places : Downtown Columbia , the East Campus neighborhood , the West Broadway neighborhood , the Francis Quadrangle , the south campus of Stephens College , the Pierce Pennant Motor Hotel , Maplewood , and the David Guitar House . The downtown skyline is relatively low and is dominated by the 10-story Tiger Hotel and the 15-story Paquin Tower. Downtown Columbia

2013-490: The city include urbanized coyotes, red foxes , and numerous whitetail deer . Eastern gray squirrel , and other rodents are abundant, as well as cottontail rabbits and the nocturnal opossum and raccoon. Large bird species are abundant in parks and include the Canada goose, mallard duck, as well as shorebirds, including the great egret and great blue heron. Turkeys are also common in wooded areas and can occasionally be seen on

2074-694: The city's Downtown to the east, south, and north, has made Columbia a center of learning. At its center is 8th Street (also known as the Avenue of the Columns ), which connects Francis Quadrangle and Jesse Hall to the Boone County Courthouse and the City Hall . Originally an agricultural town, education is now Columbia's primary economic concern, with secondary interests in the healthcare, insurance, and technology sectors; it has never been

2135-631: The city, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park , Mark Twain National Forest , and Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge form a greenbelt preserving sensitive and rare environments. The Columbia Agriculture Park is home to the Columbia Farmers Market. The first humans who entered the area at least 12,000 years ago were nomadic hunters. Later, woodland tribes lived in villages along waterways and built mounds in high places. The Osage and Missouria nations were expelled by

2196-441: The city. The population density was 1,592.8 inhabitants per square mile (615.0/km ). There were 35,916 housing units at an average density of 676.8 per square mile (261.3/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 81.54% White , 10.85% Black or African American , 0.39% Native American , 4.30% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 0.81% from other races , and 2.07% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.05% of

2257-480: The exploration of French traders and the rapid settlement of American pioneers. The latter arrived by the Boone's Lick Road and hailed from the culture of the Upland South , especially Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. From 1812, the Boonslick area played a pivotal role in Missouri's early history and the nation's westward expansion. German, Irish, and other European immigrants soon joined. The modern populace

2318-879: The high reaches or exceeds 90 °F (32 °C) on an average of 35 days per year, 100 °F (38 °C) on two days, while two nights of sub-0 °F (−18 °C) lows can be expected. Precipitation tends to be greatest and most frequent in the latter half of spring, when severe weather is also most common. Snow averages 16.5 inches (42 cm) per season, mostly from December to March, with occasional November accumulation and falls in April being rarer; historically seasonal snow accumulation has ranged from 3.4 in (8.6 cm) in 2005–06 to 54.9 in (139 cm) in 1977–78. Extreme temperatures have ranged from −26 °F (−32 °C) on February 12, 1899 to 113 °F (45 °C) on July 12 and 14, 1954. Readings of −10 °F (−23 °C) or 105 °F (41 °C) are uncommon,

2379-457: The last occurrences being January 7, 2014 and July 31, 2012. Columbia's most significant and well-known architecture is found in buildings located in its downtown area and on the university campuses. The University of Missouri's Jesse Hall and the neo-Gothic Memorial Union have become icons of the city. The David R. Francis Quadrangle is an example of Thomas Jefferson 's academic village concept. Nine historic districts located within

2440-804: The lower levels. These developments have not been without criticism, with some expressing concern the buildings hurt the historic feel of the area, or that the city does not yet have the infrastructure to support them. The city's historic residential core lies in a ring around downtown, extending especially to the west along Broadway, and south into the East Campus Neighborhood. The city government recognizes 63 neighborhood associations. The city's most dense commercial areas are primarily along Interstate 70 , U.S. Route 63 , Stadium Boulevard, Grindstone Parkway, and Downtown. The 2020 United States census counted 126,254 people, 49,371 households, and 25,144 families in Columbia. The population density

2501-609: The marker was removed in an act of vandalism. In 1901, Rufus Logan established The Columbia Professional newspaper to serve Columbia's large African American population. In 1963, University of Missouri System and the Columbia College system established their headquarters in Columbia. The insurance industry also became important to the local economy as several companies established headquarters in Columbia, including Shelter Insurance , Missouri Employers Mutual , and Columbia Insurance Group . State Farm Insurance has

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2562-635: The north side of downtown, is home to galleries, restaurants, theaters, bars, music venues, and the Mareck Center for Dance. The University of Missouri's Museum of Art and Archaeology displays 14,000 works of art and archaeological objects in five galleries for no charge to the public. Libraries include the Columbia Public Library , the University of Missouri Libraries, with over three million volumes in Ellis Library , and

2623-416: The opening at Connor's Cave. Park trails are available for hiking and cycling, and horseback riding is offered in the 750-acre (300 ha) Gans Creek Wild Area. Columbia, Missouri Columbia / k ə ˈ l ʌ m b i ə / is a city in the U.S. state of Missouri . It is the county seat of Boone County and home to the University of Missouri . Founded in 1821, it is the principal city of

2684-408: The population. There were 33,689 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.2% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.7% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and

2745-440: The population. There were 43,065 households, of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.6% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 50.3% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

2806-583: The rigorous Southeastern Conference . The city rests upon the forested hills and rolling prairies of Mid-Missouri , near the Missouri River valley, where the Ozark Mountains begin to transform into plains and savanna. Limestone forms bluffs and glades while rain dissolves the bedrock, creating caves and springs which water the Hinkson , Roche Perche , and Bonne Femme creeks. Surrounding

2867-640: The river are Perche Creek, Hinkson Creek, and Flat Branch Creek. Along these and other creeks in the area can be found large valleys, cliffs, and cave systems such as that in Rock Bridge State Park just south of the city. These creeks are largely responsible for numerous stream valleys giving Columbia hilly terrain similar to the Ozarks while also having prairie flatland typical of northern Missouri. Columbia also operates several greenbelts with trails and parks throughout town. Large mammals found in

2928-421: The spring. Hickman High School also performs a similar season with two musical performances (one in the fall, and one in the spring) and 2 plays (one in the winter, and one at the end of their school year). The newest high school, Battle High, opened in 2013 and also is known for their productions. Battle presents a musical in the fall and a play in the spring, along with improv nights and more productions throughout

2989-617: The streets of downtown Columbia, Missouri. The 2007 Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival was organized by advertising agency Woodruff Sweitzer with the help of Richard King, then-owner of The Blue Note . The City of Columbia shut down ten city blocks in downtown Columbia for the festival, which drew a crowd of around 70,000. In 2007, the Blues in the Schools program was formed by King and local musician and educator TJ Wheeler. The program brings music and cultural education to elementary, middle school and high school students across mid-Missouri. In 2013,

3050-417: The three-county Columbia metropolitan area . It is Missouri's fourth most populous with an estimated 128,555 residents in 2022. As a Midwestern college town , Columbia maintains high-quality health care facilities, cultural opportunities, and a low cost of living. The tripartite establishment of Stephens College (1833), the University of Missouri (1839), and Columbia College (1851), which surround

3111-528: The top employers in the city are: The Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts and Jesse Auditorium are Columbia's largest fine arts venues. Ragtag Cinema annually hosts the True/False Film Festival . In 2008, filmmaker Todd Sklar completed the film Box Elder , which was filmed entirely in and around Columbia and the University of Missouri. The North Village Arts District , located on

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3172-424: The year prior to just over 23,000. The drop in attendance was likely due to an elimination of free attendance areas. In 2014, the addition of a green vendor program marked a move toward sustainability. A set of guidelines for food and craft vendors, which includes replacing styrofoam and plastic plates and utensils with biodegradable alternatives, recycling fry oil and composting food scraps, intends to help minimize

3233-502: The year. The city is also home to the indoor/outdoor theatre Maplewood Barn Theatre in Nifong Park and other community theatre programs such as Columbia Entertainment Company, Talking Horse Productions, Pace Youth Theatre and TRYPS. Roots N Blues Festival The festival includes over 30 live music performances on two stages, food and beverage vendors, craft vendors, a Ferris wheel and art installations. The festival also hosts

3294-495: Was $ 33,729, and the median income for a family was $ 52,288. Males had a median income of $ 34,710 versus $ 26,694 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 19,507. About 9.4% of families and 19.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 14.8% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over. However, traditional statistics of income and poverty can be misleading when applied to cities with high student populations, such as Columbia. Columbia's economy

3355-476: Was 1,879.6 inhabitants per square mile (725.7/km ). There were 53,746 housing units at an average density of 800.1 per square mile (308.9/km ). The racial makeup (including Hispanics in the racial counts) was 72.49% (91,516) white , 11.91% (15,038) black or African-American , 0.32% (398) Native American , 5.61% (7,084) Asian , 0.07% (89) Pacific Islander , 2.17% (2,734) from other races , and 7.44% (9,395) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race

3416-472: Was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.94. In the city the population was spread out, with 18.8% of residents under the age of 18; 27.3% between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.7% from 25 to 44; 18.6% from 45 to 64; and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age in the city was 26.8 years. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 84,531 people, 33,689 households, and 17,282 families residing in

3477-412: Was 4.9% (6,195) of the population. Of the 49,371 households, 24.0% had children under the age of 18; 38.7% were married couples living together; 31.4% had a female householder with no husband present. Of all households, 34.7% were individuals and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 3.0. 18.2% of the population

3538-519: Was a small cluster of log cabins in an ancient forest of oak and hickory; chief among them was the cabin of Richard Gentry , a trustee of the Smithton Company who would become first mayor of Columbia. In 1820, Boone County was formed and named after the recently deceased explorer Daniel Boone . The Missouri Legislature appointed John Gray, Jefferson Fulcher, Absalom Hicks, Lawrence Bass, and David Jackson as commissioners to select and establish

3599-516: Was ensured when it was chosen as county seat in 1821 and the Boone's Lick Road was rerouted down Broadway. The roots of Columbia's three economic foundations—education, medicine, and insurance— can be traced to the city's incorporation in 1821. Original plans for the town set aside land for a state university. In 1833, Columbia Baptist Female College opened, which later became Stephens College . Columbia College, distinct from today's and later to become

3660-521: Was in the path of totality for the Solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 . The city was expecting upwards of 400,000 tourists coming to view the eclipse. Columbia, in northern mid-Missouri, is 120 miles (190 km) away from both St. Louis and Kansas City , and 29 miles (47 km) north of the state capital of Jefferson City . The city is near the Missouri River , between the Ozark Plateau and

3721-399: Was under the age of 18, 23.8% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28.8 years. For every 100 females, the population had 93.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 89.8 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $ 53,447 (with

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