Columbia County, Florida, is located in the northernmost part of the state, bordering Georgia to the north. Its county seat is Lake City which is in the center of the county. Approximately 67,000 people live in the county which was created in 1832 from Alachua County.
Debates exist as to the origin of the name. It is possible the county was named after Christopher Columbus. However, “Columbia” is an historically poetic name that was used by Americans as well as people overseas to describe the United States, and has been suggested as an alternative to the word “American”. Columbia is often personified as a woman wearing a robe that is sometimes white, and sometimes red, white, and blue. The most famous of these is the Statue of Liberty.
Columbia County is home to a portion of the Osceola National Forest. The area boasts incredible hiking trails that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The scenery in the area represents the quintessential northern Florida landscape and is a wonderful greeting for those entering the state.
The county is home to many other parks as well where families can go to enjoy the weekend or spend quality time together. Families can visit the beautiful, blue waters of the Ichetucknee Springs State Park to swim and tube town the river.
Columbia County is a popular gateway to Florida. Its central location, with the presence of major highways as well as railways, makes the area a popular stopping point for both travelers and goods. In addition, the county holds many hidden beauties and opportunities for those who live here making it an ideal place to call “home.”