Where did Columbia, Missouri get its name?

Before Columbia got its name, there was Smithton.

The settlement was founded when 34 Smithton Land Co. trustees purchased almost 3,000 acres of land, according to previous Missourian reporting. This was in either 1818 or 1819, depending on what history book you read.

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Bird’s-eye view of downtown Columbia, taken from a building on the University of Missouri campus looking down Seventh Street toward the Boone County Courthouse.

Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Missouri

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Aerial view of Columbia, looking west from Rosemary Lane, one block east of College Avenue.

Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Columbia

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A sign advertising “Visit Columbia” with an image of MU’s Jesse Hall and Columns, mentions Columbia College and Stephens College. 

Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Missouri

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A view of downtown Columbia shows businesses along Broadway: Hays Hardware, J.J. Newberry Store, Midwest Loans, Dick Barnett’s and Uptown Theater.

Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Missouri

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View of Columbia’s water tower, from the entrance to the Columbia Cemetery.

Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Missouri

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Originally Appeared Here