About Columbia

Columbia, Missouri is a fascinating city with a rich history, located in Boone County, named after a very famous American, Daniel Boone. It is also a city with a great future. The city is located just east of the center of the state, due west, on I-40 from St. Louis, Missouri. The original town was named Smithton. Due to a lack of water, the townsfolk moved across the Flat Branch Creek and established, what is now Columbia, in 1821. Columbia is the home of the Missouri State University's Mizzou Tigers, which was founded in 1839. The town of Columbia grew rapidly in the years after the Civil War, during reconstruction. During the war it was the home of a Union Garrison and most of the town folks were Union sympathizers. The surrounding countryside and communities, however, were loyal to the south and the area saw several major battles during the war. Columbia, itself, remained untouched from the war, its infrastructure remaining intact. With an estimated population of 95,000 people, the bulk of the demographics belong to the 20-24 and 25-44 age groups. Columbia occupies a full 28% of Boone County's entire population.

A quick look into the Columbia, Missouri business directory shows that this wonderful city offers all the amenities and utilities a family would need. Public transportation ranges from rail to taxi's, and Columbia offers it's own regional airport. Shopping opportunities abound and there are plenty of things to do if you just want to play. If you look into Columbia, Missouri white pages, you will find listings for all the public education available to you. The average enrollment in the Columbia public schools is 17,075 with a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. This includes four high schools, three junior highs, three middle schools and twenty elementary schools. There are also 17 private schools available, if desired, in Boone county. For higher education, of course, there is the University of Missouri with an average enrollment of 28,000 students. Forbes magazine, in 2008, listed Columbia as one of the smartest cities in the nation, based on education levels. There can be no wonder that the city is renowned for knowledge and education.

Missouri's income and property tax schedule is favorable to small business, offering incentives to business owners. Money magazine listed Columbia, Missouri as one of the top 100 best places to live, based on housing, air quality and health (among other things) of the people that live there. The list of accolades goes on, however, it becomes clear that Columbia, Missouri is a great travel destination or a great place to relocate to, whatever your plans are.

Written by Lyndsey Morgan