Brief History of Columbia, TN

Columbia is a Nashville metro area suburb with a population of over 40,000. The city is the county seat of Maury County and home to 36 historic sites. Columbia has a complex history, including an important court case that paved the way for the U.S. civil rights movement. It’s also the birthplace of a variety of notable people and the home of “Mule Day.” Let’s review a brief history of Columbia, Tennessee.

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What Is Mule Day?

Image via Flickr by US Department of State |CC BY 2.0

In the 1840s, Mule Day was a single-day event called “Breeder’s Day.” It was held on the first Monday in April every year as a meeting for mule breeders. Over time, the celebration evolved into a multi-day event that now includes a parade, contests and competitions, music and dancing, crafts and food, and a flea market. 

With a four-day schedule packed with activities for young and old, Mule Day is a can’t-miss springtime event. More than 200,000 people attend the event every year in Columbia, the self-proclaimed “Mule Capital” of the world. Mule Day 2022 is set for March 28 through April 3.

If you’re in town for Mule Day, make sure to take part in the annual “Where’s Maury the Mule?” passport contest event. This is one of many ways that Maury County’s Chamber & Economic Alliance facilitates business opportunities for members and creates job opportunities in our community. Mule Day and Maury the Mule are just a couple of reasons why the McNabbs love Columbia!

Nearly 40 Listed Historical Locations

Maury County was the richest county in Tennessee for decades in the mid-to-late 1800s, due to the production of hemp and tobacco. Many plantation homes used during the time are still standing and have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 

Because of its rich architectural history, Maury County is considered a heritage tourism destination. Don’t skip visiting the President James K. Polk Home & Museum. In fact, Maury County is often referred to as Tennessee’s Antebellum Homes Capital. Our county boasts more houses designed in this neoclassical Greek revival architectural style than any other Tennessee county. This style is typically characterized by large pillars at the front and a balcony that runs the full perimeter of the house, providing a large shaded space for people to sit. 

First Steps in the Civil Rights Movement

Some consider the outcome of a 1946 court case in Columbia as the very first step taken in the U.S. civil rights movement. At the time, the national press reportedly covered this as the first “major racial confrontation” occurring after World War II, calling it “the Columbia Race Riot.” Today, 75 years later, not all agree with referring to the events this way. Instead, Maury County historians interviewed by The Daily Herald‘s Mike Christen portray them as a turning point in American history.

Following the events of that year, President Truman established The President’s Committee on Civil Rights with Executive Order 9808 in December. The committee delivered a report with recommendations that led government entities to issue a variety of federal protections, further laying the foundation for important change.

Columbia’s Famous Personalities

Image via Flickr by Walt Disney Television | CC BY-ND 2.0

Columbia’s rich history is chock-full of wonderful stories of people leaving their mark on our community, the broader region, and across the country. Check out these four Columbia personalities we’re especially proud to tell you about:

Lyman T. Johnson

Born in 1906, Mr. Johnson is known as the plaintiff who challenged the University of Kentucky in 1949 to open admissions to African Americans. Before the lawsuit, Johnson was already a teacher and local civil rights leader in Louisville, supporting efforts to equalize pay for black and white educators. The University of Kentucky Graduate School offers the Lyman T. Johnson Diversity Fellowship in his honor.

Sandra Seaton

The 2012 recipient of the Mark Twain Award, which recognizes distinguished contributions to Midwestern literature, Sandra Seaton was born in Columbia into a family of educators. Ms. Seaton is a playwright, librettist, and former Professor of English at Central Michigan University. You can find a 1996 photo of her and Mr. Lyman Johnson on her website.

Marion Dorset

Born in 1872, Dr. Dorset is best known for his discovery that swine fever is caused by a virus and for his work developing a serum to prevent the disease, also known as hog cholera. He attended and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in science in 1872. During his later medical studies, he was assigned to assist Dr. E.A. de Schweinitz at the USDA’s Biochemic Laboratory, which later became the Biochemic Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry. He went on to contribute 40 years of research and work to the Bureau.

Natalie Stovall

This Columbia native got her first violin at three years old and has been in the music business since age 10. She is a vocalist and plays multiple instruments, but she is best known for playing the fiddle on stage with her former band, The Drive. In 2014, CMT included Stovall in the Next Women of Country franchise, and in 2017, she auditioned for and joined the 13th season of The Voice. As of May 2020, Ms. Stovall has joined the trio Runaway June to replace fellow singer Hannah Mulholland.

At Stan MacNabb Chevrolet of Columbia, we know people are our community’s greatest asset. Now that we’ve introduced you to some notable Columbia personalities, we’d love to take the opportunity to introduce you to the people driving our business. Click here to meet our staff.

What did you think of this brief history of Columbia, Tennessee? Let us know if we should include any of your favorite historical spots. And remember, whether you’re a long-time Columbia local, a new resident, or a visitor, our staff would be honored to help you find the perfect vehicle with which to tour the city.