Our Mission to Preserve

Columbia Heritage Foundation’s mission is to encourage an appreciation of the unique history and diverse cultural heritage of the First Capitol of the Republic of Texas; to preserve, protect, restore, and rebuild physical assets for the benefit of current, future residents and tourists.

Republic Plaza 

Republic Plaza is in the heart of historic West Columbia.  Josiah Bell envisioned a downtown plaza near the site of the building where the founders of Texas met to form their new government.  Columbia Heritage Foundation has the unique opportunity to revive that plan for a plaza that will become the heartbeat of downtown West Columbia—a place where the community can meet, enjoy leisurely conversations and hold festivals.  The Plaza includes the restored auditorium, built in 1946, and the vintage school gym, built in 1940, now named Heritage Hall, a banquet and event facility.