The city of Columbia serves as the county seat of Maury County. With its historic, yet trendy downtown district along with its rich Southern history, Columbia has been recognized as a “Top Ten Best Small Town” by both Southern Living and Country Living. The Duck River borders the four city block downtown, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its Federal, Victorian, and mid-19th Century Revival architecture.
Columbia is located approximately 45 miles south of Nashville. Those traveling would access I-65, but could also utilize several state highways.
Photo by ExperienceMaury.com
Founded in 1807, Columbia boasts a rich history and vibrant heritage. Known as “Muletown” for its significance in the mule trade, the city grew rapidly with the success of agriculture, leaving behind stunning historic brick mansions and 1800-era homes that still stand today.
You can enjoy being a tourist in your new hometown and explore notable landmarks like the President James K. Polk Ancestral Home and Museum, just two blocks from downtown, or visit the Maury County Courthouse, a century-old architectural gem at the heart of the city.
Photo by VisitColumbia.com
Columbia has a long-standing tradition of preserving and growing its downtown district, which holds the distinction of being one of Tennessee’s first five Main Street communities. Dozens of shops, restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and antique stores fill downtown store fronts. An essential tradition for locals and newcomers alike is “First Fridays”. April through December on the first Friday evening of the month the square is bustling with visitors and locals. Shops and restaurants have extended evening hours, plus there are live music performances throughout the square.
The Muletown arts scene is growing! Located a few blocks from the town square, the Columbia Arts District is an up-and-coming hub for local artists to work, learn, and sell their craft.
The Columbia Arts Building offers art classes, studios, and retail space. The Mulehouse is a music venue downtown located in a restored historic church with two performance areas. The main concert area is upstairs, with the church’s original pews used for seating.
One of the most significant additions to Columbia’s retail scene is The Factory, located at 101 N. James Campbell Blvd. Originally a T-shirt factory, the building has been restored into a modern shopping mall with eclectic shops, antique malls, boutiques, and restaurants.
Downtown Columbia and Maury County Park are the central hub of activity for the week-long Mule Day Festival held in early April. The Mule Day tradition began in the 1840s as a livestock show and mule market, and has blossomed into a community-wide festival welcoming thousands of visitors. Events include arts and crafts, live music, pageants, a parade, and mule-driving contests.
In addition to outdoor recreation, Columbia has several indoor recreational facilities:
Columbia offers a variety of organized sports for both children and adults. You can find information here on city-sponsored leagues for basketball, flag football, kickball, and pickle ball.
One of Columbia’s largest facilities is the Ridley Sports Complex, which has fields for soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby, softball, baseball, and Ultimate Frisbee.
Other sport league options include:
The city of Columbia provides several services for its residents including weekly garbage, curbside recycling every two weeks, and scheduled bulky items and brush collection.
City Overview
columbiatn.gov
Population: 45,792
City of Columbia
700 N Garden Street
Columbia, TN 38401
931-560-1500
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