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Why is Columbia Called the “Dimple of the Universe”?

Why is Columbia Called the “Dimple of the Universe”?

Issue #529

August 17, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Mostly sunny w/ High of 97, low of 71.

🤔 Why is Columbia Called the “Dimple of the Universe”?

🎬 “9-1-1 Nashville” Could Bring $90 Million Boost to Tennessee

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 Today’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Why is Columbia Called the “Dimple of the Universe”?

Most of us have heard Columbia called the “Dimple of the Universe”—but have you ever wondered where that nickname really came from? It’s not just a catchy phrase. It’s a story that goes back more than a century, with roots in literature, local pride, and even the U.S. Postal Service.

The phrase first appeared in the early 1900s, written by John Trotwood Moore in his book Songs and Stories from Tennessee. In the introduction, he described the Nashville Basin as the “dimple of the universe.” While he may have been talking about all of Middle Tennessee, people here in Maury County knew better. Many of Moore’s stories came from his time living in Columbia, and locals read between the lines—they believed he was really talking about their home.

Once the phrase caught on, it spread quickly. Newspapers repeated it. The Columbia Military Academy used it in advertisements. Even nearby communities like Nashville and Pulaski claimed the nickname for themselves. But folks in Maury County held onto it with a special pride, believing Columbia was at the very heart of that “dimple.”

Then came the twist that made the story even better. In 1914, a woman in Boston mailed a letter addressed only to “The Poet, The Dimple of the Universe.” Somehow, it reached Columbia, landing in the hands of John Trotwood Moore himself. Decades later, in 1939, another letter was sent simply to “Dimple of the Universe, Tenn.” and—once again—it ended up right here.

It’s a bit like our own version of Miracle on 34th Street. If the U.S. Postal Service decided Columbia was the Dimple of the Universe—not once, but twice—well, that’s hard to argue with.

So the next time you hear that nickname, you’ll know it isn’t just a charming saying. It’s a part of Columbia’s identity, written into history more than 100 years ago and carried forward by the people who call this place home.

👉 You can read the full story (and many more about our town’s history) on Adam Southern’s Historic Maury County website.

“9-1-1 Nashville” Could Bring $90 Million Boost to Tennessee

The hit television series 9-1-1 is shining a spotlight on Nashville, and the production is expected to bring a major economic boost to Tennessee.

Recently, the new spin-off 9-1-1 Nashville filmed a large concert scene at Ascend Amphitheater, drawing crowds before sunrise. Country star Kane Brown performed for the sequence, though the details of the storyline remain under wraps.

While filming can create some temporary downtown traffic, state officials say the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. The series is projected to generate between $75 and $90 million for Tennessee’s economy through payroll, local business spending, and production services. To help secure the show, the state committed $10 million in incentives.

The ripple effects extend well beyond hotels and restaurants. Local businesses are providing everything from set construction and wardrobe to equipment rentals, fueling jobs across the creative sector. Officials also emphasize that long-running series like this one strengthen Tennessee’s production workforce and infrastructure, positioning the state to attract even more projects in the future.

With several other studios already in discussions about filming in Tennessee, 9-1-1 Nashville could be just the beginning of a new wave of entertainment growth across the state.

👉 If you’re interested in being an extra in the show, Jenny Allison Casting is frequently posting opportunities on facebook. Although they usually require a full day commitment, it does pay a bit and could be a fun experience!