National Register Listing

Bennettsville Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Magnolia;Jennings-Brown House;Bennettsville Histori

Irregular pattern along Main St. from Everett to Lindsey and from Parsonage to Murchison, Bennettsville, SC
Local significance of the district:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

South Carolina was a major center of the transatlantic slave trade. Charleston was one of the busiest ports for the importation of enslaved Africans in North America, with an estimated 40% of all enslaved Africans brought to the United States passing through the city.
South Carolina random facts
Marlboro County, South Carolina, has a rich history that dates back to Native American settlements in the area. The county was originally named after the Duke of Marlborough in England. European settlers began to establish settlements in the region in the early 18th century. The county was officially formed in 1785, and its county seat is Bennettsville.

During the American Revolution, Marlboro County played a significant role in the fight for independence. It was the site of several skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Raft Swamp in 1781. The county's proximity to North Carolina also made it a hotbed for American patriots and Loyalists alike.

In the 19th century, Marlboro County became known for its agriculture. The fertile soils and mild climate made it ideal for growing tobacco, and many plantations and farms specialized in its cultivation. The tobacco industry remained a dominant force in the county's economy well into the 20th century.

In recent years, Marlboro County has faced economic challenges due to the decline of the tobacco industry and the loss of manufacturing jobs. However, efforts have been made to diversify the economy and attract new industries. Today, Marlboro County is known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and a growing focus on tourism and outdoor activities.

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

  • 1798: Marlboro County is formed from parts of Cheraws District
  • 1800: Bennettsville is established as the county seat
  • 1814: Marlboro County is named after John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
  • 1818: Old St. David's Church is built, known as the "Welsh Neck Church"
  • 1865: The Civil War ends, leaving the county devastated
  • 1875: The Marlboro Female Institute is founded in Bennettsville
  • 1900: The first tobacco warehouses are built in Bennettsville
  • 1904: The first Marlboro County Courthouse is constructed
  • 1920s: The Bright Leaf Tobacco Market becomes the largest in the world
  • 1960s: The Civil Rights Movement spreads to Marlboro County
  • 1997: Marlboro County High School wins its first state football championship