History of Columbus
COLUMBUS, N.C. (WSPA) – The history of the town of Columbus can be seen today. It has some of the longest-standing buildings in Western North Carolina.
Columbus historians told 7NEWS it wasn’t an easy route to establish the town.
They said in 1847 Polk County was established. Two years later there was a large disagreement on where the county seat should be.
“The legislatures of North Carolina said it had to be in the center of Polk County and the county seat and that they would call it Columbus,” Patrick Mccool, Mayor of Columbus, said.
Mccool said in 1855 the town was created, named after Dr. Columbus Mills a surgeon in the Civil War, who was also a legislator and a farmer.
He had a vision of what the town could become and it started with a courthouse.
From the old seats of the Polk County Courthouse to the steps that lead you in, you can’t miss the building that’s the centerpiece of the town’s history.
“It is one of the eight oldest courthouses still in use in Western North Carolina,” Mayor McCool said.
Town officials said the courthouse was completed in 1859, at a cost of $16,000, money the town made from selling land.
“The sense of awe I had the first time I presided here it hasn’t left,” Judge Abe Hudson said.
Those who work in the courthouse today like Judge Abe Hudson said it’s special to be in that building.
“Young children I see them come in,” Hudson said. “They look just as I did when I came in here.”
Those we spoke with inside the courthouse say one of their favorite features is the locally made brick design. They say the large windows, staircases, and high ceilings also stand out, but the courthouse has seen some changes.
“The top of the courthouse actually started out as a Methodist Church,” Mayor McCool said.
There have been a few renovations, the top of the courthouse no longer serves as a church and the bottom floor no longer has a courtroom, but the courthouse, made with no nails, hasn’t changed much from the day it was built.
“I am honored to be counted amongst the people who have sat at this bench, and I am very thankful for the people of Polk County who have so well preserved this historic courthouse,” Hudson said.
Other historical spots in Columbus also might leave you in awe. Like the World War I Doughboy Monument outside of the courthouse.
“That was made for the 13 people that lost their lives in WWI,” Mayor McCool said. “Most the money believe it or not was raised through the children in the schools.”
The school system was instrumental in attracting people to Columbus. Mayor McCool, a former educator himself said it’s thanks to a man named Franks Sterns.
“He died in 1919 so he didn’t get to see the dream that he really wanted but thanks to him we still have the Sterns building that he had built right in downtown Columbus,” McCool said.
Columbus now has a population of 1,000 people according to Mayor McCool. He said it’s the perfect spot for a small-town feel.
Learn more about our special guests:
Dollywood Family Vacation Giveaway
You can win 4 tickets to Dollywood! To enter the contest click here .
Videos:
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Most Popular
Comments / 0