Columbia is the county seat of Maury County in Central Tennessee, and is 50 miles south of Nashville. It is home to an estimated 38,224 people and hosts a mule day festival the first weekend of April every year. It is more famously known for being the hometown of the 11th President of the United States, James K. Polk. In addition, numerous antebellum homes are located around the city including Ripavilla, the Atheneum, Elm Springs, Rattle and Snap, and Hamilton Place to name a few. It is a city rich in history and culture endearingly known by its locals as "The Dimple of the Universe".

It's safe to say the South has had its moments of racism and racial unrest, but Columbia seems to take it to a higher level. From indiscriminate lynchings as though they were pastimes to a race riot in 1946, racism has seemed pretty systemic here. But through the proceedings of the riot, Thurgood Marshall became known and eventually became appointed to a seat as a Supreme Court justice. Also, President Truman directed integration of the armed forces, so at least there was some good that came out of it.

See

• 1 James K. Polk Ancestral Home, 301 W. 7th Street, ☏ +1 931 388-2354. Adult $10.  

Sleep

• Holiday Inn Express, ☏ +1 931 380-1227. 1558 Bear Creek Pike. 

Go next

Routes through Columbia

Nashville ← Franklin ←	N  S	→ Lewisburg → Birmingham
Nashville ← Franklin ←	N  S	→ Athens → Birmingham
END ←	N  S	→ Lawrenceburg → Florence
Jackson ← Hohenwald ←	W  E	→ END