Archaeological studies in Columbus County have focused on prehistoric resources around--and in--several natural lakes and streams. Ample evidence for Native American habitation sites has been documented including over 125 archaeological sites on record with the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office.
The Historic Preservation Office planned and funded a reconnaissance survey of the county's historic architecture, conducted in 1998.
A total of $193,500 in state grants has been awarded for restoration of the Columbus County Courthouse, the Ritz Theater, the Sankey Wright Robinson Office Building, various projects in Tabor City, the Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum, the Fair Bluff Depot, and the Chadbourn Depot. A federal grant of $7,000 awarded in 1997 funded a reconnaissance survey of the county.
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Three historic properties listed in the National Register are the Columbus County Courthouse in Whiteville, Lake Waccamaw Train Depot and the Powell House (or Trading Post) in Fair Bluff.
PRESERVATION PLANNING
The town of Fair Bluff received assistance from the Historic Preservation Office through the federally-funded Community Development Block Grant program.
Technical restoration assistance has been provided to many projects throughout the county such as the Smith House in Fair Bluff, the Formy-Duvall House, and the railroad depots at Chadbourn, Lake Waccamaw, and Fair Bluff.