Columbia City of Women
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Celebrating Columbia's Women Leaders
Columbia City of Women
Columbia City of Women honors the women – past and present – whose contributions to our city helped others thrive, pushed boundaries and created opportunities, stood up for others, lead the charge, or created beauty and strengthened culture.
Columbia City of Women is a public history and art initiative that reimagines who is commemorated in Columbia’s cultural landscape. Since its launch in 2019, the project has sought to recognize and elevate the stories of local women whose contributions—too often overlooked—have shaped Columbia’s history and continue to influence its future.
A collaboration between Historic Columbia, the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN), and community partners, Columbia City of Women invites the public to engage with a fuller, more inclusive story of our city. Through public nominations, community programming, and the installation of a downtown monument designed by artist Deedee Morrison, the project celebrates women who have broken barriers, built community, and transformed Columbia across generations.
Our Story
Have you ever noticed that very few cities, streets, and statues are named for women? In Columbia, only 4 percent of our 145 landmarks are specifically named for women. Only one of the 41 streets in downtown Columbia is intended to recognize a woman — Lady Street — yet its name does not reflect the true recipient, Martha Washington. We believe in the power of moving through a city that recognizes women's achievements, which is why we're bringing forward the stories of our city's remarkable women.
Meet the Honorees
Architecture of Strength Monument
Placed at the northwest corner of Main and Gervais streets, directly across from the State house, this monument stands in conversation with and physically confronts South Carolina’s past and its white, male-dominated status quo.
A Legacy Continued
Now a part of Historic Columbia’s ongoing interpretation work, Columbia City of Women lives on through storytelling, public programming, and digital engagement. The initiative aligns with our mission to preserve Columbia’s complex past and ensure that all voices—especially those historically left out—are part of the story we tell. Want to learn more or get involved? Stay connected through our e-newsletter and follow @HistoricColumbia on social media for updates on future events, projects, and new ways to engage with Columbia City of Women.
Research Team
