LOCATION – The District is located 15 miles south of St. Louis, along the Mississippi River in Monroe and St. Clair Counties, Illinois.

SERVICES AVAILABLE – The community has medical, dental and optometric services available locally. Additional services are within an easy drive of the District. St. Louis, with its world-class hospitals, shopping centers, museums, parks, and gardens is a short drive away.

RECREATION – There are several golf courses in the immediate area. The community has swimming pools, tennis courts, youth soccer, baseball and softball. A new YMCA was recently completed in 2006. St. Louis provides sports teams, live theater, and a symphony orchestra.

CHURCHES – Columbia is served by most religious denominations.

FRATERNAL AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS – American Legion, Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Optimists, Chamber of Commerce, Sister Cities.

COLLEGES – Washington University; St. Louis University; Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville; Webster University; Fontbonne College; McKendree University; Southwestern Illinois College.

INDUSTRY IN THE DISTRICT – Columbia is primarily a residential and farming community. There is some light industry.