Note that while Price's Raid was still going on, the local paper explained why the Columbia Tigers were formed--

"COLUMBIA TIGERS -- On the 4th inst., it became evident that an organization of the citizens of Columbia was vitally necessary for the protection of the town against guerrillas who infested the country on every side, and who became more bold and numerous with the advance of the rebel invasion under Price. Accordingly, the citizens were notified and they rallied to a man and formed a company numbering about 120 effective men.... The company was then armed and placed on active duty, with quarters in the Baptist church. Business houses were closed and every thing prepared for defenses as an attack was continually anticipated." (Columbia Statesman, 24 Oct. 1864, p. 3)