Community

Vibrant communities pay special attention to cultural and civic affairs; Columbus County is no exception. Under the umbrella of the Columbus County Arts Council, many diverse groups receive funding or cultural guidance. These include the Columbus County Theatre Association, the Oratorio Society, the Visual Arts Guild, and many others. Dozens of community, school, and church groups provide Columbus County residents with a broad spectrum of cultural and artistic opportunities. The Southeastern Community College Performing Arts Series, brings acclaimed music, dance, and theatre performers to the community, such as The Count Basie Orchestra, The Kingston Trio, and Broadway hits like "Camelot." Monthly art exhibits featuring outstanding area artists are always well received.

Columbus County also enjoys the efforts of many civic and community groups, such as Rotarians, Lions, Junior Woman's Club, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, to mention a few. These groups contribute much to the quality of life we enjoy in Columbus County.

Columbus County was formed in 1808 from Brunswick and Bladen counties. The County is named for Christopher Columbus, and its first settlers came up the Cape Fear River after sailing from Barbados.

An Act of the General Assembly created Columbus County because the citizens had difficulty getting to the Brunswick County seat for business and legal transactions. We are proud to be the home of the Lake Waccamaw State Park, which is archaeologically known for many Native American canoes and other evidence of the Waccamaw Siouan tribe's history. Whiteville is the county seat, and our agricultural history can be seen in the sweet potato, corn, soybean, pecan, and peanut crops.