Historical Markers in
Chester County, South Carolina

A Nest with a Bird's-Eye View Aaron Burr Rock Alexander's Old Fields Alston Graded School / Alston High School Appleby's Methodist Church Archdale Hall Austin-Craig-Laney House Badham House / Dorchester Lumber Company Battle Of Beckhamville Battle of Fishdam Ford Battle of Fishing Creek Blaser Building (1871-1874) Brainerd Institute Burrel Hemphill Captain Mose Rogers Cash Homesite / Capt. Thomas Ellerbe Catholic Presbyterian Church Cheraw Confederate Memorial Chester Confederate Monument Chester County Courthouse Chester County Courthouse (1825-1855) Chester Hotel Building (1866-1876) Chester Lodge World War II Marker Chester State Park Chesterfield Academy Chesterfield Courthouse Chesterfield High School Chesterfield Post Office Colonel Robert Patton Colonial Dorchester Colonial Dorchester Colonial Dorchester Colonial Dorchester Confederate Parrott Field Rifle Model 1863 Confederate Parrott Field Rifle Model 1863 Coulter Memorial Academy Site Culvert Cypress Methodist Camp Ground Davega Building Dizzy Gillespie Birthplace Dorchester Dorchester Free School First Secession Meeting Fish Dam Battle Ground Fishing Creek Church Fishing Creek Confederate Monument Fishing Creek Revolutionary / Confederate War Memorial Footbridge Fort Dorchester Four Holes Swamp Four Holes Swamp Bridge / Harley's Tavern Francis Asbury's First Visit to S.C. Grave of British Soldier Great Indian Warrior Trading Path Grover Methodist Church Harleyville Home Site of Justice John Gaston John Craig House Koger-Murray-Carroll House Landsford / Landsford In The Revolution Landsford Canal Landsford Canal State Park Trails Linking Places and People Middleton Place / Arthur Middleton Mill Complex Monument Square Moorefield Memorial Highway Moorefield Memorial Highway, (Southern Terminus) Newington Plantation Old Dorchester Old St. David's Old White Meeting House and Cemetery Original Site of Purity Presbyterian Church Parish Church of St. George, Dorchester Pee Dee Union Baptist Church Reverend John Simpson Revolutionary War Cannon Ridgeville Seaboard Air Line Railway Depot Shady Grove Camp Ground South Carolina Canal & Rail Road Company St. George Public High School/St. George Graded School St. Paul Camp Ground The 71st Regiment of Foot The Bell Tower of St. George's The Canal Bed The Dam The Guardlock The Old Town Hall W. D. Craig House Welcome to Landsford Canal State Park Wilbur G. Grant Reservoir of Chester Metropolitan District World War Soldiers “Thirteen Original Colonies Bicentennial Covered Wagon Train”
South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union, but it was also the last state to rejoin the Union after the Civil War. Reconstruction in the state was marked by violence and political turmoil.
South Carolina random facts
Chester County, South Carolina, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, such as the Catawba and Cherokee. These tribes hunted, fished, and farmed in the region, leaving behind burial mounds and other archaeological remains that provide insights into their way of life.

In the late 17th century, European colonists began to settle in what is now Chester County. The first significant group of settlers were the Scotch-Irish, who arrived in the 1750s and established strong agricultural communities. The area's fertile soil, abundant waterways, and favorable climate made it ideal for farming, and agriculture became the backbone of the local economy.

During the American Revolution, Chester County played a significant role as a center of resistance against British rule. The county supplied troops to the Continental Army, and several battles, including the Battle of Williamson's Plantation, were fought here. After the war, the county continued to grow and prosper, with its agriculture-based economy expanding to include cotton production and textiles.

In the 20th century, Chester County faced various challenges and transformations. The decline of agriculture and the rise of industrialization led to shifts in the county's economic landscape. Textile mills became an important source of employment, but many closed in the late 20th century due to outsourcing and globalization. Today, the county is working towards revitalizing its economy by attracting new industries and promoting tourism, while also preserving its historical landmarks and cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Chester County, South Carolina.

  • Prehistoric times: Native American tribes, including the Catawba and Cherokee, inhabit the area
  • Late 17th century: European settlers begin to arrive in the region
  • 1765: Chester County is officially established as a county
  • 1775-1783: The American Revolutionary War impacts the region
  • Mid-19th century: Chester County becomes an important center for cotton production and slavery
  • 1861-1865: The Civil War disrupts the county and leads to significant destruction
  • Late 19th century: Chester County experiences a period of economic recovery and growth
  • 20th century: The county faces challenges including the Great Depression and World War II
  • 1965: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 helps African Americans gain equal voting rights in the county
  • 21st century: Chester County continues to be a predominantly rural area with a focus on agriculture and manufacturing