Community

Here, home still means something special. Columbia and Marion County are places where people know their neighbors, cheer for the home team, and take pride in what’s been built through generations. Our story began more than 200 years ago along the Pearl River, and reminders of that heritage remain — from the 1810 John Ford Home, the oldest surviving structure in Mississippi’s Pine Belt, to the stately 1904 Courthouse at the heart of downtown. You’ll find charming historic neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and a downtown district that still feels like the center of town. Outdoor life is part of who we are, with Lake Columbia, the Pearl River, and The Yards sportsplex offering year-round recreation for families. We’re also proud to be home to the South Mississippi Regional Library headquarters and a full range of education options, including two public school districts and several private schools that give families great choices close to home. Columbia, Marion County is a community that feels small but thinks big — where history is honored, opportunity is growing, and neighbors share a deep love for the place we all call home.