Columbus County, located in the Coastal Plain [5] region of southeastern North Carolina, was formed in 1808 from Brunswick [8] and Bladen [7] Counties and named for explorer Christopher Columbus [12]. It partially borders the state of South Carolina. Early inhabitants of Columbus County include the Waccamaw Indians [11], followed by English, French, and Scottish [13] settlers. The county seat, Whiteville [14], was incorporated in 1832 and named for James B. White, who was the first state senator from Columbus County; he also donated the land for the county courthouse in 1808. Other communities in Columbus County are Acme-Delco, Brunswick, Fair Bluff, and Tabor City.

Among Columbus County agricultural products are corn, soybeans, sweet potatoes and Irish potatoes, catfish, pecans, peanuts, beef and dairy cattle, and poultry. Manufactured products include textiles, plywood, doors, windows, furniture, and a variety of tools.

Lake Waccamaw State Park [15] is Columbus County's premier natural attraction. Naturalists John and William Bartram [16] made extensive visits to the Lake Waccamaw area in the eighteenth century and recorded their experiences. Green Swamp is another important natural landmark, representing a unique environment with many animal and plant species. Historic sites in the county include the Robert E. Lee Brown House, built in 1910, and the Snowden Singletary House, dating from the early nineteenth century. Cultural institutions include the Columbus County Theatre Association, the Cultural Arts Center, and the Fair Bluff Historical Society. Whiteville is also home to the North Carolina Museum of Forestry. Popular annual events include the North Carolina Yam Festival, the Strawberry Festival, and the Columbus Chorus Christmas Concert. About 1,800 members of the Waccamaw-Siouan tribe continue to live in Columbus and Bladen Counties. The total population of Columbus County was estimated to be 54,500 in 2004.