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.
ColumbusToday, 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.
| Facts and
Figures |
| Population: |
30,000
|
| Hospital Beds: |
328
|
| Physcians: |
90
|
| Average cost of Home: |
$75,000
|
Average Cost of a New 2,000 sq. ft. Brick Home on a
half-acre lot: |
$175,000
|
| Tax on $100,000 Home with Homestead Exemption: |
(under age
65): $1,099
(65 and older): $335 |
| Places of Worship: |
121
|
| Denominations Represented: |
30 |
| Commercial passenger
air service available locally. |
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Columbus-Lowndes Development Link
P.O. Box 1328
Columbus, MS 39703
Phone: 662-328-8369
Phone1-800-748-8882:
Fax: 662-327-3417
Email:
mlipscomb@cldlink.org
Website:
www.cldlink.org