The idea behind the founding of Columbia, Maryland, was to create a city that was planned to stay away from the harried development and urban sprawl that dominated the rest of the Howard County; and also to create a community free of any discrimination based on race, income, or religion. Built over land acquired by James W Rouse and the Rouse Company, Columbia was opened to the public in 1967, and has since then prospered as a census-designated place. Today, Columbia is comprises several villages and towns, Wilde Lake being the first village to be developed. Columbia has a lot to offer visitors, especially music fans, with venues like the popular Merriweather Post Pavilion hosting musicians from all over the country.