Mule Day Procession to the Square
Leading mules to the Courthouse

Historic Downtown District

The town of Columbia is the county seat of Maury County. It was chartered in 1807 and laid out on the south bank of the Duck River, consisting of four blocks. The town was incorporated in 1817. In 1984, the Columbia Commercial Historic Downtown District was established on the National Register of Historic Places recognized for its Federal, Victorian, and Mid 19th Century Revival architecture. 

Among Tennessee's first designated Main Street Communities, historic downtown Columbia is a classic, Southern downtown anchored by its iconic Courthouse on the square, surrounded by vibrant shops, local eats, boutiques and antique finds. Enjoy live music, special events, and a local brewery. First Fridays energizes the downtown district each month with local musicians on the town square while shops keep their doors open a little later than usual to add to the inviting energy of historic downtown. Located just two blocks west of downtown is the ancestral home of the 11th U.S. President James K. Polk. And a block south of there, you'll find the Columbia Arts District, established as a haven for artists to culminate in an eclectic mix of contemporary creative culture.