President Obama has left Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. Barack Obama today is making his first visit to South Carolina since becoming president, spending a few hours in the capital city and delivering remarks at Benedict College. Check here for regular updates as The State tracks his visit in real time.

Obama has not visited the Palmetto State since winning the state's Democratic presidential primary in January 2008.

Students from other area colleges have been invited to hear Obama speak at Benedict in an invitation-only, town hall-style forum. University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides said he and students from his college have been asked to come to Benedict, as well.

This story was originally published March 5, 2015 at 9:19 AM.