The territory of Columbus County has played host to many of the major events of American history. The Indian presence, the colonial period, the Revolutionary War, the establishment of railroads, the Civil War and Reconstruction – all have influenced the county and local citizens. Throughout the decades, developments occurring in Columbus County have reflected familiar themes of state and national history.

The land itself has been shaped by a variety of geographical features. Lake Waccamaw, which is the the largest lake between New York and Florida, was the site of an original Indian habitation. The Waccamaw River, which begins at the lake, links the southeastern section of Columbus county with South Carolina and the coast. The western border of the county is the Lumber River.

The Cape Fear River makes up some of the northeastern border, in Ransom Township. Access to the Cape Fear and the port city of Wilmington has been a major factor in the development of the county. Before construction of roads, the Cape Fear, Lumber and Waccamaw Rivers were the main arteries which penetrated the dense woodlands of the area.