The town of West Columbia was originally called Brookland because of the vast number of clear water brooks throughout the area. West Columbia was incorporated in 1894 as Brookland. 

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"Brookland is booming. Its growth has been steady and rapid, and its prospects today are as bright as its hustling boomers can desire. With an unsurpassed situation, delightful climate and beautiful scenery, no one who visits the new town can help being pleased with this western outgrowth of Columbia.

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Brookland begins at the western end of the Congaree River bridge, on Gervais Street, and the thoroughfare is lined with business, houses, and private residences in such profusion that the chance visitor is at once impressed with the busy importance of the town.

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Five years ago the high hills of Lexington, upon which is now located the town of Brookland, were almost uninhabited. But M. H. Witt took hold, and today he has the pleasure of seeing a thriving business settlement all around him. By steady energy Mr. Witt succeeded in attracting men of pluck and push to the locality, and the result is- Brookland. The town was first named New Brookland, but at a meeting of the citizens a few days ago it was decided that the word "New" was superfluous, and it has formally dropped from the town's name."*

 

In 1936, the name was changed to West Columbia to emphasize its proximity to Columbia, South Carolina.

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*Ref.: Lexington County and its towns Percival Rowell 1891, Carolinian Library USC 975.773 R79