Downtown Historic District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A shaft of white marble erected in 1879 by the Ladies Memorial Association is dedicated to the Columbus soldiers who fought in the War Between the States. It differs from most monuments of the period in that it is topped with a simple Grecian urn rather that the usual statuary. Originally it had a fence with a turnstile around it to keep the cattle out. The park area surrounding it, known as Salisbury Park, was named for Major William Salisbury whose home formerly faced the park. The monument holds special significance because the last major land battle of the War Between the States took place in Columbus. Union soldiers led by General James Wilson managed crossing the Chattahoochee River by bridge into Columbus. General Wilson was only 28 years old and was often referred to as “the boy wonder.” After arriving in Columbus, Union troops were ordered to burn any industry that could contribute to the war effort. In actuality, Lee had surrendered to Grant two weeks prior, but the news had not yet reached this far south.
A shaft of white marble erected in 1879 by the Ladies Memorial Association is dedicated to the Columbus soldiers who fought in the War Between the States. It differs from most monuments of the period in that it is topped with a simple Grecian urn rather that the usual statuary. Originally it had a fence with a turnstile around it to keep the cattle out. The park area surrounding it, known as Salisbury Park, was named for Major William Salisbury whose home formerly faced the park. The monument holds special significance because the last major land battle of the War Between the States took place in Columbus. Union soldiers led by General James Wilson managed crossing the Chattahoochee River by bridge into Columbus. General Wilson was only 28 years old and was often referred to as “the boy wonder.” After arriving in Columbus, Union troops were ordered to burn any industry that could contribute to the war effort. In actuality, Lee had surrendered to Grant two weeks prior, but the news had not yet reached this far south.
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Popular places to visit

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Coca-Cola Space Science Center

You can browse the exhibits at Coca-Cola Space Science Center, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Columbus. Experience the entertainment venues and theatre scene in this walkable area.

Coca-Cola Space Science Center
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Columbus Civic Center

Catch an event at Columbus Civic Center during your trip to Columbus. Experience the entertainment venues and theatre scene in this walkable area.

Columbus Civic Center
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South Commons Sports Complex

Catch an event at South Commons Sports Complex during your trip to Columbus. Experience the museums and entertainment venues in this walkable area.

South Commons Sports Complex
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Hughston Clinic

If Hughston Clinic is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Columbus.

Hughston Clinic
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Peachtree Mall

During your trip to Columbus, you can enjoy retail therapy at Peachtree Mall. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront or experience its entertainment venues.

Peachtree Mall
P33BH4 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is a modern performance venue and home of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in Columbus, Georgia.

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

Get tickets for a show at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, a theatre with a story to tell in Columbus. Experience the entertainment venues and theatre scene in this walkable area.

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

Our pick of the best Downtown Historic District Hotel Deals

Columbus Marriott

Columbus Marriott

3.5 out of 5
800 Front Ave Columbus GA
The price is AU$298 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$298
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (660 reviews)
Very great and accommodating staff. Great hospitality!

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Columbus Marriott
Rothschild-Pound House Inn

Rothschild-Pound House Inn

4 out of 5
201 Seventh Street Columbus GA
The price is AU$277 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$277
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly B&B in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Columbus Historic District and Fourth ...
7.8/10 Good! (143 reviews)
Very pleasant stay! Lovely room, very spacious and clean. We enjoyed walking to dinner and shopping.

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Rothschild-Pound House Inn
Dimon Cottage, Suite A

Dimon Cottage, Suite A

Columbus GA
The price is AU$323 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
AU$323
30 Jan - 31 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday home in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and a garden. Popular attractions Columbus Historic District and Milford Terry Public Library ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
The cottage provided a clean and comfortable place for us to stay. It was easy to find and very convenient for our travel.

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2025

Dimon Cottage, Suite A
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus North

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus North

3 out of 5
1711 Rollins Way Columbus GA
The price is AU$183 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
AU$183
28 Jan - 29 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,389 reviews)
Everything was good

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus North
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Columbus at Northlake by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Columbus at Northlake by IHG

2.5 out of 5
7336 Bear Ln Columbus GA
The price is AU$158 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$158
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (787 reviews)
Nice clean hotel. Great location as well.

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Columbus at Northlake by IHG
City Mills Hotel

City Mills Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1801 1st Ave Columbus GA
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,080 reviews)
Very nice!

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

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City Mills Hotel
See all 527 properties in Downtown Historic District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Historic District

Beautiful churches all over south.

Downtown Columbus

While visiting Downtown Columbus, you might make a stop by sights like Springer Opera House and RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.

Downtown Columbus
The Rankin House: James A. Rankin came to Columbus from Ayrshire, Scotland and in 1839 married Agnes Affleck. Mr. Rankin was a planter and owner of the Rankin Hotel and Rankin Realty Co. This high style Italianate mansion was built between 1860 and 1870. In 1898, the Rankin House, valued at $18,500, was the finest home in Columbus. After the Civil War, Mr. Rankin returned to Scotland and turned the home over to his eldest child.

High Uptown Historic District

While High Uptown Historic District isn't home to many top sights, Springer Opera House and RiverCenter for the Performing Arts are some notable places to visit nearby.

High Uptown Historic District
The Wynn House was built in 1839 when the city of Columbus was 11 years old. Greek Revival in style, the house has doric columns on three sides and is topped with a cupolo. Originally named “Oakview,” the house was built by Colonel William Wynn, for whom the Wynnton area of Columbus is named. In 1852 Henry Hurt purchased the home from Colonel Wynn, but sold it in 1855 having never lived in it. The next owner, Mr. Hines Holt, was a prominent Georgia congressman and attorney. During the Civil War, his ownership saved the home from the Union Army captain sent to burn the homes in this area. The home remained in the Holt family for 50 years. In 1905, Mr. J. T.

Wynns Hill Overlook

If you're spending some time in Wynns Hill Overlook, Columbus Museum and Bradley Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Wynns Hill Overlook
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Dinglewood Historic District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Dinglewood Historic District and surrounding area, you can visit Columbus Museum and Smith-McCullers House.

Dinglewood Historic District
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Wynnton Village Historic District

While there might not be top attractions in Wynnton Village Historic District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Smith-McCullers House and Columbus Museum.

Wynnton Village Historic District
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East Highlands

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in East Highlands and surrounding area, you can visit Columbus Museum and Springer Opera House.

East Highlands

Downtown Historic District Travel Guide

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