Historical Markers in Lexington County, South Carolina
319th Bombardment Group
Battle of Congaree Creek
Bombardment Groups
Camp Moore
Columbia Army Air Base / The Doolittle Raiders
Congaree Fort
Cotton Gin
Daniel Koon House
Delingo School
Emily Geiger
Fridays Ferry
Gervais Street Bridge
Guignard Park
Hartley House
Hazelius House
Herman Geiger
Jeffcoats' Meeting House
John Fox House
Kitchen
Lake Murray
Laurence Corley House
Lee's Tavern Site
Lewie Chapel (Old Gilbert Methodist Church) / The Lewie Family
Lexington Baptist Church
Lexington County Confederate Monument
Lexington County Veterans Monument
Lexington County World War I Monument
Lexington Courthouses
Milestones
Moorefield Memorial Highway
Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church / Temperance Hall
Oak Grove Schoolhouse
Old Batesburg-Leesville High School
Old Congaree River Bridges
Old State Road
Old Time Religion
Pinarea / Quattlebaum Sawmill, Flour Mill, and Rifle Factory
Post Office
Providence Church
Revolutionary Skirmish Near Juniper Springs
River Inn, c. 1740s
Saluda Factory Cemetery
Saluda Factory Ruins
Shelling of Columbia
Springdale
St. Andrew's Lutheran Church
St. Peter Church
St. Peter's (Meetze's) Lutheran Church
St. Stephen's Church
The Cherokee Path
The Doolittle Raiders
The Post at the Congarees
The Sycamore Tree
Tomb of Dr. E.L. Hazelius
Town of Irmo
World War II Bombing Ranges
World War II Monument and Memorial
Zion Lutheran Church / Dreher's Fort
City of Columbia Anchor
About Lexington County
Lexington County Timeline
Lexington County, located in the central part of South Carolina, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Congaree and Saluda tribes, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for their livelihood. European settlers began to arrive in the late 17th century, with the establishment of trading posts and farms along the Congaree River.
During the American Revolution, Lexington County played a significant role in the fight for independence. In 1780, the Battle of Camden took place just outside the county borders, resulting in a major victory for the British. However, the area became a center of resistance against British rule, with militia groups forming to protect local communities. One of the most famous battles of the Revolution, the Battle of Huck's Defeat, was fought in present-day Lexington County in 1780, where Patriot forces successfully repelled a British attack.
After the Revolutionary War, Lexington County experienced rapid growth and development. The introduction of the railroad in the mid-19th century further fueled economic expansion, as industries such as cotton farming, timber logging, and textile manufacturing flourished. The county became a hub of activity, with the town of Lexington serving as the county seat and a bustling center of commerce.
In more recent years, Lexington County has faced both challenges and opportunities brought on by urbanization and population growth. Suburban development, particularly around the state capital of Columbia, has transformed the county's landscape and economy. Today, Lexington County is a vibrant community known for its excellent schools, strong sense of community, and diverse recreational opportunities, making it an attractive place for residents and visitors alike.
During the American Revolution, Lexington County played a significant role in the fight for independence. In 1780, the Battle of Camden took place just outside the county borders, resulting in a major victory for the British. However, the area became a center of resistance against British rule, with militia groups forming to protect local communities. One of the most famous battles of the Revolution, the Battle of Huck's Defeat, was fought in present-day Lexington County in 1780, where Patriot forces successfully repelled a British attack.
After the Revolutionary War, Lexington County experienced rapid growth and development. The introduction of the railroad in the mid-19th century further fueled economic expansion, as industries such as cotton farming, timber logging, and textile manufacturing flourished. The county became a hub of activity, with the town of Lexington serving as the county seat and a bustling center of commerce.
In more recent years, Lexington County has faced both challenges and opportunities brought on by urbanization and population growth. Suburban development, particularly around the state capital of Columbia, has transformed the county's landscape and economy. Today, Lexington County is a vibrant community known for its excellent schools, strong sense of community, and diverse recreational opportunities, making it an attractive place for residents and visitors alike.
Lexington County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lexington County, South Carolina.
- 1785: Lexington County is established as one of the seven original counties in South Carolina.
- 1791: The county seat is established in Lexington.
- 1861-1865: Lexington County experiences the impact of the American Civil War.
- 1909: The town of Cayce is incorporated.
- 1938: The Saluda Dam is built, creating Lake Murray.
- 1942-1945: Lexington County plays a significant role in supporting the war effort during World War II.
- 1974: The city of West Columbia is incorporated.
- 2000: Lexington County's population exceeds 216,000.
- 2015: Major flooding affects Lexington County and surrounding areas.