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.
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Popular places to visit


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 NZ$350 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
NZ$350
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
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! (667 reviews)
It was amazing

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026

Columbus Marriott
Downtown, Moments from Riverwalk-Broadway Bungalow

Downtown, Moments from Riverwalk-Broadway Bungalow

Columbus GA
Stay at this holiday home in Columbus. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Golden Park and Columbus Civic Center are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (30 reviews)
Such a cozy home and the outside area was perfect for a relaxing evening.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Downtown, Moments from Riverwalk-Broadway Bungalow
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 NZ$211 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
NZ$211
per night
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,365 reviews)
Clean room great staff!!

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus North
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! (1,114 reviews)
Beautiful aesthetic with the exposed brick/old mill vibes and walking distance to Millhouse restaurant. The staff was very friendly, and my stay was peaceful. I’ll definitely be back!

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

City Mills Hotel
 stayAPT Suites Columbus-Fort Benning

stayAPT Suites Columbus-Fort Benning

4 out of 5
7402 N Lake Loop Columbus GA
The price is NZ$227 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
NZ$227
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Columbus Park Crossing ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (135 reviews)
The parking is easy.. Registration was amazing The area was amazing. Overall Amazing experience

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026

stayAPT Suites Columbus-Fort Benning
Sleep Inn & Suites Columbus near Fort Benning

Sleep Inn & Suites Columbus near Fort Benning

2.5 out of 5
3662 Victory Dr, Building A Columbus GA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$164 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
NZ$164
per night
12 Apr - 13 Apr
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Loved everything, staff, cleanliness, breakfast, room service! Everything was perfect!

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Sleep Inn & Suites Columbus near Fort Benning
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

Columbus, Georgia, riverfront and downtown

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 Springer Opera 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 Columbus Museum and Springer Opera House.

Wynnton Village Historic District
a stunning aerial panoramic shot of the Chattahoochee river surrounded by lush green and autumn colored trees with blue sky and clouds at Cochran Shoals Trail in Marietta USA

East Highlands

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

East Highlands


Downtown Historic District Travel Guide

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