Columbus began as a stage station on the Yellowstone Trail and is now a shipping center for the rich farm and ranch lands around it. Originally called Stillwater by its founder Horace Countryman
and located two miles west of present day Columbus, it soon became known as Eagles' Nest. Later it was listed as an Indian trading post called Sheep Dip. With the arrival of the Northern Pacific Rilroad in 1881, Countryman eventually relocated to the present location. The railroad's arrival was instrumental in the development of Columbus as a permanent city and the primary urban center in Stillwater County.
Prosperity came to Columbus when the Montana Sandstone Company was chosen to furnish the stone for the state capitol in Helena. Mountain View Cemetery, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, has many beautiful and ornate monuments cut by artists from the sandstone.

The annual Musician's Rendezvous in August is a must hear for the acoustic aficionado. The Rendezvous was inspired by Columbus' "Festival of Strings" and Doc Allison's "Old Time Fiddlers Picnic" in Livingston. Musicians have been known to travel from around the world to join together on the banks of the Yellowstone River at Itch-Ke-Pe Park. Bring your instrument or just come to listen!

The summer months hold something for everyone! The annual Freedom Celebration, the Jim Noble Memorial Car Show and the Stillwater County Fair are just a few.