Industry in Columbus GA

During the Civil War the manufacturing interests in Columbus switch to somehwhat of a wartime economy, and began producing a variety of wartime goods, including swords, cannons, ironclad ships, paper, and clothing. One of the last military actions of the Civil War took place at Columbus on April 16, 1865, when Union forces under Major General James H. Wilson captured the city and subsequently destroyed many of the city's industries, including the textile mill, sword factory, and paper mill.

Around the turn of the 20th century, Columbus gradually recovered from the devastation of the war, producing a variety of products including clothing, industrial machinery, soft drinks and slurry mixers.

Since 1960 insurance, banking, and digital technology firms have taken the lead role in the local economy. Columbus and Muscogee County are home to American Family Life Assurance Corporation (AFLAC), which was named by Fortune Magazine as one of the most employee-friendly companies to work for in the United States.