Columbus, the seat of Lowndes County, Mississippi, is situated in the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, primarily east of the Tombigbee River, although portions of the city are north and northeast. Columbus Air Force Base is just north of the city, and surrounding communities include Billups, Mayhew, New Hope Park, Steens, Wells, and Whitebury. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is about sixty miles to the southeast. The first European-American to settle in the area was John Pitchlynn, the U.S. interpreter for the Choctaw Nation, who built a home and farm on Plymouth Bluff. Columbus was formed in 1821, although prior to its incorporation it was known as Possum Town, which continues to be used as a nickname for Columbus. When nearby Plymouth flooded in 1817, the survivors moved to Columbus. During the Civil War, Columbus was a hospital town, which also had an arsenal that produced gunpowder, handguns, and a few cannons. A Union invasion of the city was halted by Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Confederate General Jacob H. Sharp, who had moved to Columbus as a child, owned the Columbus Independent newspaper after the war. The Columbus Air Force Base was established during World War II, and is currently one of only four flight training bases in the United States. Tennessee Williams was born in Columbus.
Categories
Education & InstructionFaith & SpiritualityHealth & Public Safety | Places to ShopServices & Industries |
Recommended Resources
The official municipal web site offers an overview of its organizational structure, including its elected officials, administrative and departmental personnel, boards, and commissions. Other resources include a business directory, calendar of events, meeting agendas and minutes.
http://www.thecityofcolumbusms.org/
A visitor’s guide to the Air Force Base north of Columbus, Mississippi features an overview of the base, area dining facilities, fitness centers, entertainment venues, housing and lodging options, family and support resources, retiree information, and general information about the surrounding community.
http://www.columbusafbliving.com/
Situated just north of Columbus, Mississippi, the Columbus Air Force Base is home of the 14th Flying Training Wing of Air Education and Training Command’s 19th Air Force. Its history, mission, and demographics are shared, along with commentaries, photographs, video, art, biographies, and fact sheets.
http://www.columbus.af.mil/
Headquartered in Columbus, Mississippi, the Council is part of the Boy Scouts of America youth organization. Council contacts, a calendar, and information about its training programs are put forth. Other resources include various brochures and forms, policy information, and an overview of Camp Seminole.
http://www.pushmataha.org/
The home was built by Benjamin Catley in 1848, and ten families have made it their home before it became a B&B facility, as it now is. Its rooms and suites are highlighted, with photographs, a list of amenities, policies, and breakfast menus, as well as a history of the building, client reviews, and contacts.
http://www.shadowlawncolumbus.com/
Published in Columbus, Mississippi, the newspaper serves the cities of Columbus, Starkville, and the Golden Triangle, featuring local and regional news and sports stories, opinion columns, obituaries, classified advertising, and community news and events. The full electronic edition is available in PDF format.
http://www.cdispatch.com/
Maintained by the Columbus Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the site offers an introduction to the organization and the city, promoting Columbus as a home for retirees, a tourist destination, and as a place for meetings and conventions. Local attractions, a calendar of events, and an interactive map are included.
http://www.visitcolumbusms.org/
