Columbus is a city in Colorado County, Texas, United States, 74 miles (119 km) west of Houston along Interstate 10, on the Colorado River. In 1890, 2,199 people lived in Columbus, Texas; in 1900, 1,824 residents existed. The population was 3,916 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Colorado County. The town history includes the politically motivated Reese-Townsend feud of the late 19th century and early 20th century, which resulted in several people being killed in gunfights. The town's motto is "City of Live Oaks and Live Folks."