Columbia County Florida, named in honor of Christopher Columbus, was created in 1832 with Lake City being named the County Seat. Lake City began as a Seminole Indian Village named Alpata Telophka, Indian language meaning "Alligator Town". According to legend the name was changed to Lake City as the mayor's wife refused to hang her lace curtains in a town named Alligator! During the American Civil War the Battle of Olustee took place near Lake City in 1864, it was the only major battle in Florida during the Civil War. By the early 20th century, Lake City became an extremely important railroad junction. The city served the Seaboard Air Line, Atlantic Coast Line, Georgia Southern and the Florida Railroad, making Columbia County an important transport county in Florida. Columbia County is also home to the Columbia Amateur Radio Society, a group of radio operators that got a kick out of being able to communicate to folks all over the world; this club still is in existence to this day.

Columbia County is home to cities such as Fort White, Lake City, Five Points, Watertown and Lulu. Columbia County Historical Museum, located in Lake City, is dedicated to preserving the Columbia County history through historical presentations, sewing groups that make authentic clothing of the 18th century and includes our children in educational programs. Parts of the Osceola National Forest and Ishnatuckee Springs are located in Columbia County, making water recreation and nature observation a part of everyday life here! Columbia County is also known as the "Freshwater Recreation Capital of America", due to over 100 springs located within a 50 mile radius of Lake City! With the beautiful Sante Fe River on the south side of the county and the scenic Suwanee River on the north side, Columbia County has definitely earned its nickname.

Real estate options in Columbia County include river front homes, single family homes, gated community homes and land lots for the opportunity to construct your very own dream home! Whether you're looking for a place to retire, spend the winter or raise a family, Columbia County has something for everyone! From the small close knit community of Watertown to the more active lifestyle of Lake City, Columbia County provides an array of lifestyle changes to tempt the diversity of any potential homeowner.