Lancaster County, South Carolina

Andrew Jackson State Park Barr's Tavern Site Battle of Hanging Rock Battle of the Waxhaws: Massacre or Myth? Beaver Creek Skirmish / Capture of Provisions at Flat Rock Birthplace of Andrew Jackson Birthplace of Andrew Jackson Birthplace of Andrew Jackson Monument Birthplace of Dr. James Marion Sims Birthplace of James Marion Sims, M.D. Boundary Line Buford Battleground Buford Monument Buford's Bloody Battleground Buford's Defeat Buford's Massacre Camp Creek Methodist Church Clinton Memorial Cemetery / Isom C. Clinton Craig House Disaster in South Carolina Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson Flat Creek Baptist Church Franklin Academy / Oldest Continuous Public School Site in Lancaster County Haile Gold Mine Heart of the Community Jackson Comes Home James Ingram Home Kershaw Kershaw's First Library Kilburnie King Hagler's Murder Lancaster Lancaster & Chester Railway Lancaster County Confederate Monument Lancaster County Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Lancaster Normal and Industrial Institute Lancasterville Presbyterian Church Leroy Springs House Major Crawford's Home Memorials and Archaeology Mt. Carmel Campground School Days in the Waxhaws Stephen Decatur Miller Stoneboro The Battle Of The Hanging Rock The Boy of the Waxhaws The Courthouse Lancaster County / John Simpson The Jail / Robert Mills The Revolution in the Backcountry/ Sumter's Camp at Clems Branch The Springs Block Thomas H Davis Waxhaw Presbyterian Church Waxhaw Presbyterian Church Monument Welcome to Andrew Jackson State Park Welcome to the Andrew Jackson State Park Museum Welsh's Station / Kershaw Depot
Lancaster County, located in the Piedmont region of South Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The Catawba Native American tribe was one of the first known inhabitants of the area, with evidence of their presence stretching back over 10,000 years. European settlement began in the late 18th century, with Scotch-Irish, English, and German immigrants establishing homesteads along the Catawba River.

During the American Revolution, Lancaster County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The area was a hotbed of patriot activity, and several key figures, such as Major William Richardson Davie, were from the area. The Battle of Hanging Rock, fought in present-day Lancaster County, was a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War in the South.

The growth and development of Lancaster County continued after the Revolutionary War. Agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, became the dominant industry, and the county was one of the largest cotton producers in the South. Slavery was an integral part of the agricultural economy, and many large plantations were established during this time.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lancaster County went through various economic changes. The decline of cotton as a cash crop and the industrialization of the textile industry led to a shift in the local economy. Textile mills sprang up throughout the county, providing employment opportunities for the growing population. Lancaster County continues to be influenced by its agricultural and industrial roots while also adapting to the changing economic landscape.
Brief timeline of the history of Lancaster County, South Carolina:

  • 1749: Lancaster County is created, named after Lancaster, England.
  • 1759: Waxhaws Presbyterian Church is established.
  • 1780: Battle of Waxhaws takes place during the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1785: Lancaster becomes the county seat.
  • 1828: Robert Mills designs the Lancaster County Courthouse.
  • 1861-1865: Lancaster County is heavily impacted by the Civil War.
  • 1905: Springs Cotton Mill opens, becoming a major employer in the county.
  • 1942: Camp Cox military training base is established during World War II.
  • 1981: Andrew Jackson State Park is opened to the public.
  • 2006: HAAS Automation opens a manufacturing facility, bringing new jobs to the area.
  • 2018: The Red Rose Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in downtown Lancaster.

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