It was established in the 1750's as a base for Indian trade. Old State Road, running west along the west side of the river was once known as the Cherokee Path and before the automobile was the main road between Charleston and Columbia. Farther down river, prehistoric Indian sites have been found on the bluffs along the river. The Congaree Swamp National Monument is also on the Congaree River. The Broad River is the least accessible river flowing through Columbia.
Local residents find access points for the best fishing spots along the river.
And, the trail at Riverfront Park and Historic Columbia Canal runs on the east side of the Broad River for about 2 miles. The Columbia Rowing Club is rowing from a county park on the Broad River being developed as a rowing center. My appreciation to the staff of the Water Resources Division of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for their assistance in providing information. The Water Resources Division is involved with a number of projects to manage and protect our state's rivers. Specifically, the department is involved with scenic river program studies and management, river corridor planning projects, and river education efforts.