Columbus is a city founded in 1821, in Lowndes County, Mississippi that lies above the Tombigbee River. It is approximately 146 miles (235 km) northeast of Jackson, 92 miles (148 km) north of Meridian, 63 miles (101 km) south of Tupelo, 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and 120 miles (193 km) west of Birmingham, Alabama. The Luxapalila Creek runs through the town, separating East Columbus from Columbus proper (both are within city limits). The Lux, as it is locally known, joins the Tombigbee about three miles south of downtown.
During the American Civil War, Columbus was a hospital town. However, Columbus also had an arsenal that made gunpowder, handguns and a few cannons. Because of this the Union ordered the invasion of Columbus but was stopped by General Nathan Bedford Forrest therefore the Antebellum homes of Columbus were spared from being burned or destroyed, making its collection second only to Natchez as the most extensive in Mississippi.
Columbus has hosted Columbus Air Force Base (CAFB) since World War II. Columbus is home to a state university, the Mississippi University for Women.
Mississippi cruises are often split into Lower Mississippi which is south from St Louis and Upper Mississippi which is north from St Louis. These cruises are generally on Paddle Steamers. Cruises also make use of the Mississippi’s main tributaries including the Ohio, Tennessee and Arkansas rivers. Cruise seasons vary by river. Lower Mississippi cruises operate year round, while cruises on the Coastal Waterway, the St Lawrence and the Columbia don’t operate in the winter and their schedules may be set to enjoy Fall Colours or historical events.
General Information:
Population: 23,798 (2008)
Time zone CST (UTC-6) • Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5)
Language: English
Currency: US Dollar
Area Code: 662