Columbus

Although Columbus is home to some of the finest bass and crappie fishing in the nation, the town is much more than a place to rest the rod and reel after a long day on the water. Architecture, education and the military are also major aspects of life in Columbus.
    
Columbus is located at the center of the 235-mile Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. In addition to 9,000-acre Columbus Lake on the Tenn-Tom, Columbus residents can pass the time on the water at nearby Lake Lowndes. These two areas provide plenty of hiking trails, campgrounds, hunting land and, of course, some sweet fishing holes.
    
Depending on whom you ask, the historical architecture found in Columbus is even more impressive than the fishing. The grand antebellum mansions that line the shady streets are the basis for an annual pilgrimage to Columbus. During this pilgrimage, visitors arrive to be greeted by residents dressed in the styles of the Old South.
    
In addition to history, the military is a major part of life in Columbus. Columbus Air Force Base is one of three pilot training facilities in the United States, and over 6,200 military personnel, dependents and civilians live and work there. Retired military personnel benefit from medical, recreational, BX and commissary services on the base.
    
Education has always been important to the Columbus community. The state's first public elementary school was opened here in 1812, and the first public college for women in the United States was founded in Columbus.
    
Today, the picturesque campus of the Mississippi University for Women is open to men as well as women. Residents can visit its fine arts gallery or take part in its continuing education program. Scholarships are available for those over 65.
    
The Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle is one of the outstanding regional medical centers in the Mid-South. In addition to its heart and cancer treatment facilities, the hospital also has a wellness center for those who want to shape up or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
    
The highly acclaimed Columbus Arts Council is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and presents professional performances throughout the year. Culture seekers may also find their meals being served with The Music Man or My Fair Lady at the Community Dinner Theater.
    
There is a myriad of opportunities for residents who want to really get involved with the Columbus community. Volunteers are always needed to assist with the annual pilgrimage, and Civil War re-enactments provide the option of leading the charge into battle or simply watching the action from a hilltop. The annual Possum Town Pigfest brings everybody together for a weekend of great barbecue and terrific music.
    
Six major golf courses within 30 minutes and the best tennis anywhere make it easy to enjoy an afternoon with friends.

Read what people like yourself have to say about Columbus:

After living out of state for over 40 years, Dr. Jack D. Wamble returned to Mississippi with his wife Frances.

Mississippi Living: Were you excited to return to Mississippi after such a long absence?

The Wambles: Definitely. You just can't beat all the friendly people, and we love the trees shading the beautiful antebellum homes.

Mississippi Living: What were some of the driving factors in choosing Columbus?

The Wambles: After serving in the Air Force for 20 years and working at various universities around the country, the combination of Columbus' Air Force base and the Mississippi University for Women was very appealing. The location also makes for very mild winters. Plus, Columbus is only two hours from Memphis, Jackson and Birmingham. The community has a lot to offer us, and we have a lot to offer to the community.

Mississippi Living: How's that?

The Wambles: Well, city leaders are concerned about keeping taxes low for senior citizens. And we are chairs of The Columbus Retirement Community Committee's Host Committee, as well as members of American Legion Post 0069 and the Experienced Citizens Bowling League.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Columbus-Lowndes Development Link
P.O. Box 1328
Columbus, MS 39703
Phone: 662-328-8369
Phone: 1-800-748-8882
Fax: 662-327-3417
Email: mlipscomb@cldlink.org
Website: www.cldlink.org