Columbia, Missouri
City of Columbia, Missouri | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nickname(s): College Town USA, The Athens of Missouri, or CoMo | |
 Location in the state of Missouri | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| County | Boone |
| Founded | 1818 |
| Incorporated | 1826 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Darwin Hindman (D) |
| • City Manager | William Watkins |
| • City Council | Almeta Crayton ♦ (First Ward) Chris Janku ♦ (Second Ward) Karl Skala ♦ (Third Ward) Jerry Wade ♦ (Forth Ward) Laura Nauser ♦ (Fifth Ward) Barbara Hoppe ♦ (Sixth Ward) |
| Area | |
| • City | 59 sq mi (138.1 km2) |
| • Land | 53.1 sq mi (137.5 km2) |
| • Water | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km2) |
| Elevation | 705 ft (215 m) |
| Population (October 2007)[1] | |
| • City | 96,700 |
| • Density | 1,592.8/sq mi (615.0/km2) |
| • Metro | 153,283 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Website | http://www.gocolumbiamo.com |
The City of Columbia was founded in 1818 as the county seat of Boone County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. It is the principal city of the Columbia, Missouri Metropolitan Area which encompasses all of Boone and Howard counties. As of 2007 the city had a population of 96,700[2] and the surrounding Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 153,283.[3] The city is a major educational center being home to the University of Missouri–Columbia, the flagship campus, and location of the University of Missouri System headquarters. The city is also home to Stephens College and Columbia College. The location of these three 4-year colleges as well as a number of community colleges have led to the city being known by the nicknames "The Athens of Missouri" and "College Town USA".[4] It is also known colloquially as "CoMo".
National magazines consistently rank Columbia as a top city in which to live for safety, educational facilities, high quality health care, technological savvy, economic growth, cultural opportunities and cost of living.[5] It has been ranked as high as the #2 best place to live in the US by Money Magazine's annual list and is regularly in the top 100.[6][7] The city's nationally recognized public school system[8] and plentiful educational institutions maintain Columbia's status as one of the most well-educated cities in America.[9] Columbia's health care is second only to Rochester, Minnesota, in patient capacity per capita.[10]
The city has a young and active population,[11] much of which is made up of over 33,000 students attending college in Columbia.[12] Columbia's downtown is the cultural, entertainment, and economic heart of Mid-Missouri[citation needed]. It is sandwiched between Columbia's two colleges and the University of Missouri and contains a diversity of restaurants, bars, live music, indie films, book stores, art galleries, and loft apartments.[13] Downtown is also host to many events including the Hot Summer Nights Music Festival, True/False Film Festival, Art in the Park, The Blind Boone Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival, and the Twilight Festivals in June and September.
History
City founding and early history
The Columbia area was once part of the Mississippian culture and home to the Mound Builders. When European explorers arrived the area was populated by the Osage and Missouri Indians. In 1678 La Salle claimed all of Missouri for France. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed by the area on the Missouri River in 1803. In 1806, Daniel Boone and his sons established a salt lick 40 miles northwest of Columbia. The Booneslick Trail wound from Kentucky through St. Charles, Missouri to the salt lick. In 1818 a group of settlers, incorporated under the Smithton Land Company, purchased over 2,000 acres and established the village of Smithton less than a mile from current day downtown Columbia. In 1821 the settlers moved, because of lack of water, across the Flat Branch to the plateau between the Flat Branch and Hinkson creeks in what is now the downtown district. They re-named the settlement Columbia—a historical name for the United States.
19th Century expansion and growth
The roots of Columbia's three economic foundations—education, medicine, and insurance—can be traced back almost to incorporation in 1821. Original plans for the town set aside land for a state university. Columbia College (distinct from today's), later to become The University of Missouri, was founded in 1833. When the state legislature decided to establish a state university, Columbia raised three times as much money as any other competing city and 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 the current Columbia College. In 1856 Columbia Baptist Female College opened, which later became Stephens College. The city benefited from being a stagecoach stop of the Santa Fe and Oregon trails, and later from the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad. In 1822 the first hospital was set up by William Jewell. In 1830 the first newspaper was begun; in 1832 the first theater in the state was opened; and in 1835 the states first agricultural fair was held. By 1839 the population (13,000) and wealth of Boone County was exceeded in Missouri only by that of St. Louis County.
Columbia during the American Civil War
Columbia's infrastructure was wholly untouched by the Civil War. The majority of the city was pro-union, however, the surrounding areas of Boone County and the rest of central Missouri were decidedly pro-slavery. Because of this the University of Missouri became a base from which union troops operated. No battles were fought within the city because the presence of union troop dissuaded the confederate guerillas from attacking, though several major battles occurred nearby at Boonville and Centralia.
20th Century
The 20th Century has been promising for Columbia's prominence as an educational center rise even further. It became home to the headquarters of both the University of Missouri System which today serves about 70,000 students and the Columbia College system which today serves about 25,000 students.
The insurance industry also became important to the local economy. Several insurance companies established headquarters in Columbia, including Shelter Insurance, Missouri Employers Mutual, and Columbia Insurance Group. State Farm Insurance has a regional office in Columbia. In addition, the now defunct Silvey Insurance was once a large local employer.
Columbia became a transportation crossroads when U.S. Highway 63 and U.S. Highway 40, the latter became present-day Interstate 70, were routed through the city. Soon after the city opened the Columbia Regional Airport. The latter 20th century saw tremendous growth, and by the end of the century the population was over 80,000 in the city proper.
Recent developments
In the early 2000's Columbia embarked on a plan[14] to manage the continued growth. The city is today growing especially towards the Missouri River in southwest Boone County. The downtown district has maintained its status as a cultural center and is undergoing significant development in both residential and commercial sectors. The University of Missouri, which experienced record enrollment in 2006, is undertaking significant construction.
Geography
Size
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 138.1 km² (53.3 mi²). 137.5 km² (53.1 mi²) of it is land and 0.7 km² (0.3 mi²) of it (0.51%) is water.
Flora and Fauna
Before the founding of the city, the area was prairie and open forest maintained by burning by Native Americans. Trees are mainly oak, maple, and hickory, similar to the forests of the nearby Ozarks; common understory trees include Eastern Redbud, Serviceberry, and Flowering Dogwood. Riparian areas are forested with mainly American sycamore. Most of the residential area of the city is planted with large native shade trees. In Autumn, the changing color of the trees is notable. Most species here are typical of the Eastern Woodland, although numerous decorative non-native species are found; the most notable invasive species is Japanese honeysuckle.
Large mammals found in the city include urbanized coyotes and numerous whitetail deer. Eastern Gray Squirrel, Cottontail rabbit, and other rodents are abundant, as well as the nocturnal Opossum. Large bird species are abundant in parks and include Canada goose, Mallard duck, as well as shorebirds, including the Great Egret and Great Blue Heron. 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 (though currently under threat from rapid development) and many of these areas are home to wildlife. Deer are commonly seen especially along the MKT trail and wild turkeys are common in the forest areas surrounding Twin Lakes.
Frogs are commonly found in the springtime, especially after extensive wet periods. Common species include the American toad and species of chorus frogs, commonly called "spring peepers" that are found in nearly every pond. Some years have outbreaks of cicadas or ladybugs. Mosquitos and houseflies are common insect nuisances; because of this, windows are nearly universally fitted with screens, and "screened-in" porches are common in homes of the area. Populations of honeybees have sharply declined in recent years, and numerous species of pollinator insects have filled their ecological niche.
Climate
| Monthly Normal and Record High and Low Temperatures | ||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec High °F | 74 | 82 | 85 | 90 | 92 | 103 | 111 | 110 | 101 | 93 | 83 | 76 |
| Norm High °F | 37.4 | 43.9 | 55.1 | 65.9 | 74.6 | 83.6 | 88.6 | 87.3 | 79.1 | 68 | 53.4 | 41.5 |
| Norm Low °F | 18.2 | 23.4 | 33 | 42.9 | 52.8 | 61.8 | 66.3 | 64 | 55.4 | 44.1 | 33 | 22.5 |
| Rec Low °F | -19 | -15 | -5 | 19 | 29 | 40 | 48 | 42 | 29 | 22 | 0 | -20 |
| Precip (in) | 1.73 | 2.2 | 3.21 | 4.16 | 4.87 | 4.02 | 3.8 | 3.75 | 3.42 | 3.18 | 3.47 | 2.47 |
| Source: USTravelWeather.com [2] | ||||||||||||
Demography
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 84,531 people, 33,689 households, and 17,282 families residing in the city. The population density was 615.0/km² (1,592.8/mi²). There were 35,916 housing units at an average density of 261.3/km² (676.8/mi²). 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. 2.05% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
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 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 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.
Laws, Government and Politics
The City of Columbia's current government was established by a home rule charter adopted by voters on November 11, 1974, which established a Council-manager government that invested power in the City Council. The City Council is made up of seven members - six elected by each of Columbia's six wards, plus an at-large council member, the Mayor, who is elected by all city voters. All members of the council, none of whom receive a salary for their work, are elected to staggered three-year terms. The Mayor, in addition to being a voting member of the City Council, is recognized as the head of city government for ceremonial purposes. Chief executive authority is invested in a city manager, who oversees the day-to-day operations of government.[15]
Because Columbia is the county seat of Boone County, the county's headquarters and municipal court are located there.
The City of Columbia is located in the ninth U.S. Congressional district. The nineteenth Missouri State Senate district covers all of Boone County. There are five Missouri House of Representatives districts (9, 21, 23, 24, 25) in the city.
Voting Trends
The population generally supports progressive causes such as the extensive city recycling programs and the decriminalization of cannabis both for medical and recreational use at the municipal level (though the scope of latter of the two cannabis ordinances has since been restricted).
The city is also one of only four in the state to offer medical benefits to same-sex partners of city employees.[16] The new health plan also extends health benefits to unmarried heterosexual domestic partners of city employees.
On October 10, 2006, the City Council approved an ordinance to prohibit smoking in restaurants and bars. The ordinance was passed with protest, and several amendments to the ordinance reflect this.[17]
Economy
The economy of Columbia is based on Education, Healthcare and the Insurance industry. National insurance corporations headquartered in Columbia include Shelter Insurance, and Columbia Insurance Group. Other organizations include the MFA Incorporated, Missouri State High School Activities Association and MFA oil.
Media Outlets
Newspapers
Radio
Television
- KMIZ - ABC - Channel 17
- K02NQ - Show Me Weather
- Cat 3 TV - Columbia Access Television
- KMOS - PBS - Channel 6
- KOMU - NBC - Channel 8
- KZOU-LP - My Network TV - Channel 32
- KRCG - CBS - Channel 13
- MUTV - University of Missouri Television
- KNLJ - Christian - Channel 25
- K38II - Fox - Channel 38 (called "KQFX" on air)
- MMCW - Mid-Missouri's CW (KOMU's digital signal)
Education
Columbia and the surrounding area is served by The Columbia Public School District.[18]
Public Education
Private Education
- Academy of Fine Arts and Early Childhood Learning
- Children's House - Montessori of Columbia
- Christian Chapel Academy
- Christian Fellowship School
- Columbia Catholic School
- Columbia Independent School
- Columbia montessori
- Heritage Academy
- Islamic School of Central Missouri
- Morningside Community School
- Seventh-Day Adventist School
- Stephens College Children's School
- The Good Shepherd Lutheran School
Technical Schools
Colleges and Universities
Infrastructure
Medicine
Columbia's hospitals and supporting facilities are a major referral center for the state. There is also a large amount of medically-related industry. The University of Missouri's School of Medicine is located in Columbia.
Hospitals
- Boone Hospital Center - One of the top 100 hospitals in the United States[19]
- University of Missouri Children's Hospital
- Columbia Regional Hospital
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center
- University of Missouri Hospital
Rehabilitation Centers
Accomodations
Commercial Areas
Transportation
Major Highways
State Highways
Public
Columbia Transit operates an extensive bus system focusing around downtown, and has been in service since 1965. Currently, 1.2 million passengers board annually along the system's eight fixed routes and two University Shuttle routes. The system is constantly experiencing growth in service and technology. A project to renovate and expand the Wabash Station, a rail depot built in 1910 and converted into the city's transit center in the mid-1980s, is expected to be completed in summer 2007.
Non-motorized
Mayor Darwin Hindman is largely in favor of a non-motorized transportation system, and can often be seen riding his bicycle around the city. Columbia is also known for its M.K.T. Spur of the Katy Trail State Park, which allows foot and bike traffic across the city, and, conceivably, the state. It consists of a soft gravel surface, excellent for running and biking. Columbia also is preparing to embark on construction of several new bike paths and street bike lanes thanks to a $25 million grant from the U.S. government.
Air
- Columbia Regional Airport - U.S Airways - (Kansas City) (St. Louis)
Culture
Popular Music Scene
Columbia has a flourishing and progressive music scene thanks in large part to many acts that come out of the local university, Mizzou. The post-punk electronic band, Mahjongg and the garage rock band The Untamed Youth are two of the larger known groups to come from the area. Over 100 musical artists from Columbia have been compiled by Painfully Midwestern Records with the ComoMusic Anthology series, and the "Das Kompilation" release. Although the hip genre continues to give Columbia some music recognition, it is their progressive psychedelic-heavy metal music scene that has garnered some attention lately. There are also local punk and hip-hop scenes that are gaining momentum locally. Country music singer-songwriter Brett James is also a native of Columbia.
The song "Whiskey Bottle," by Uncle Tupelo, is rumored to be about the city of Columbia, as it makes specific reference to a sign which used be displayed on a Columbia tackle shop sign which read "Liquor, Guns, and Ammo." The sign is now displayed at the downtown location of the world-famous Shakespeare's.
Notable bands
The Doxies
Bald Eagle
Shirrelle C Limes and the Lemons
Megazilla
The 40 thieves
Slug Trail
Black$mith
Warhammer 48k
Witch's Hat
Foundry Field Recordings
Sabertooth
Dadbot!
Kodiak
Ellie Come Home
Steddy p
Thieves Guild
Bockman
Optimus Crime
Lizzie West
The Banastre Tarleton Band
Record Labels
- Emergency Umbrella, L.L.C.
- Home Tone Records
- Cat Jams Records
- Rodenburg Productions
- Painfully Midwestern Records
- Indyground Entertainment
Festivals
- Twilight Festival
- True/False Film Festival
- Hot Summer Nights
- Central Missouri Renaissance Festival
- Concert Series with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra
- Art in the Park
- Columbia Earth Day Celebration
- Ninth Street Summerfest
- The Blind Boone Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival
- First Night Columbia
- Living Windows Festival
- Columbia Festival of the Arts
- Boone County Heritage Festival.
Arts Organizations
- Columbia Entertainment Company Community Theatre
- Maplewood Barn Community Theatre
- Theatre Reaching Young People and Schools (TRYPS)
- Performing Arts in Chidren's Education (PACE)
- Office of Cultural Affairs
- Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts
- Columbia Chorale
- Columbia Art League
Downtown Columbia
Sister Cities
Columbia has five sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International, Inc. (SCI)[20]
External links
See also
- History of Columbia, Missouri
- History of the University of Missouri
- List of people from Columbia, Missouri
Notes
- ^ [[1] "Columbia Demographics"]. The City of Columbia, Missouri. Retrieved 2007-03-14.
{{cite web}}: Check|url=value (help) - ^ Columbia Demographics
- ^ Official Census Website
- ^ Columbia College Info
- ^ Columbia Kudos
- ^ Relocate America Facts
- ^ MONEY Magazine: Best Places to Live 2006 - Columbia at #76
- ^ About Us - Columbia Public Schools
- ^ MONEY Magazine: Best Places to Live 2006 - Most educated cities - Columbia at #13 ranked by percentage of residents with graduate degrees
- ^ Columbia History
- ^ REDI - Columbia Age and Gender
- ^ The District's student population
- ^ Downtown Columbia
- ^ http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/
- ^ http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Columbia_Code_of_Ordinances/Chapter_99/01.html
- ^ http://columbiamissourian.com/news/story.php?ID=23397
- ^ http://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/story.php?ID=22123].
- ^ http://www.columbiaredi.com/quality_of_life/education.php
- ^ http://www.boone.org/bhc/
- ^ http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Sister_Cities/
Sources
- Switzler, Wm. F. (1882) History of Boone County. St. Louis: Western Historical Company.
- Ohman, Marian M. (1979) "Oh! Justice — .": The History of Boone County Courthouses. Columbia: University of Missouri–Columbia Extension Division
- Stephens, E. W. (1875) "History of Boone County." An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Boone County, Missouri. Philadelphia: Edwards Brothers
 |  | ||
