Facts for Kids

Columbia is a friendly city in the state of Missouri! 🌟

It is home to the University of Missouri, which tells us Columbia is a place for learning and fun. The city has about 123,000 people living there, making it a small but bustling community. Columbia was founded in 1821 and has since grown into a vibrant city with many activities to enjoy. Whether you love nature, sports, or culture, Columbia has something for everyone! 🏙

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Columbia has various ways to get around! 🚍

There's a bus system called Columbia Transit that helps people travel throughout the city easily. Many residents also like to bike or walk because the city is friendly to pedestrians. 🚴

‍♀️ For longer trips, the city is close to major highways and airports, so it's easy to visit other places in Missouri or beyond! ✈

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Education is super important in Columbia! 📚

The Columbia Public School District serves over 18,000 students in elementary, middle, and high schools. There are also many private schools and preschools available. The University of Missouri has more than 30,000 students and offers many programs to help them learn different skills. 📓

Columbia values education and encourages kids to reach for the stars! 🌟

Columbia’s local government is City Council, which makes important decisions for the city. 🏛

️ The Council has six members and a mayor elected by the people. They meet regularly to talk about the city’s needs, including parks, schools, and safety. The local government works to help everyone in Columbia and encourages resident involvement, making Columbia a better place to live! 🌟

Columbia is proud of its famous residents! 🎉

One well-known person is actor Jon Hamm, who starred in the TV show "Mad Men." Another is author Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote the popular "Little House on the Prairie" books! 📚

The city has also produced talented athletes like former basketball player Nakia Miller. Many creative and passionate people call Columbia home, adding to its charm! 🎨

Columbia was founded in 1821 by a man named John William Thomas. He wanted to create a place where people could live, work, and learn! The name "Columbia" comes from Christopher Columbus, who discovered the Americas. 🇺🇸 Over the years, Columbia grew and became an essential transportation hub because of its railroads. In 1839, it became the home of one of the first universities west of the Mississippi River. Many exciting events have happened here, making Columbia a historical and educational city! 📚

Columbia loves to be outdoors! 🌳

The city has over 56 parks and wonderful facilities for both kids and adults! Some popular parks are Stephens Lake Park, with its beautiful lake and trails, and Cosmo Park, which has sports fields and playgrounds. 🏞

️ There are also swimming pools, skate parks, and hiking trails all around, so families can enjoy fresh air and family fun together! 🚴

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Columbia is located in central Missouri and is surrounded by beautiful hills and rivers. 🌄

The city sits at an elevation of 748 feet (228 meters) above sea level. Columbia has four distinct seasons, which means it gets to enjoy warm summers and chilly winters! ❄

️ The average temperature in July can reach 90°F (32°C), while in January, it drops to around 30°F (-1°C). With rivers and lakes nearby, there are lots of trails and parks to explore. 🌳

Columbia has a strong economy! 📈

Some of the main businesses here include healthcare, education, and retail. The University of Missouri also provides many jobs for teachers, researchers, and staff. With good schools and a supportive community, Columbia has a low unemployment rate, which is great for families! Local shops, restaurants, and businesses thrive thanks to the city's friendly residents and visitors. 🏪

Columbia has around 123,000 people, making it a lively and diverse place! 🌈

About 70% of its residents are white, 20% African American, and 10% are from other backgrounds. The city is home to many students because of the nearby university, so the age group is quite young and energetic! 🧒

With cultures from all over the world, there are many different foods, languages, and festivals to enjoy in Columbia! 🍽

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Columbia has many exciting cultural attractions! 🎨

The Museum of Art and Archaeology showcases fantastic art pieces and artifacts from around the world. The city's residents love to celebrate with events like the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival, which features music and delicious food! 🎶

There are also the Columbia Farmers' Market and the True/False Film Festival, making sure there's always something fun happening! 🍽

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