National Register Listings in
Orangeburg County, South Carolina

All Star Bowling Lane Amelia Street Historic District Briggman, F. H. W., House Bruce, Donald, House Cattle Creek Campground Claflin College Historic District Cope Depot Dantzler Plantation Dixie Library Building Dukes Gymnasium East Russell Street Area Historic District Ellis Avenue Historic District Enterprise Cotton Mills Building Eutaw Springs Battleground Park Fordham, Maj. John Hammond, House Great Branch Teacherage Hodge Hall Hotel Eutaw Lowman Hall, South Carolina State College McCoy Farmstead Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Numertia Plantation Orangeburg City Cemetery Orangeburg County Fair Main Exhibit Building Orangeburg County Jail Orangeburg Downtown Historic District Providence Methodist Church South Carolina State College Historic District Southern Railway Passenger Depot Springfield High School St. Julien Plantation Stroman, William P., House Tingley Memorial Hall, Claflin College Treadwell Street Historic District Trinity Lutheran Church Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church White House United Methodist Church Whitman Street Area Historic District Williams Chapel A.M.E. Church Willow Consolidated High School
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
Orangeburg County, located in South Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Edisto, Santee, and Catawba, who relied on the region's fertile lands for agriculture and hunting.

In the early 18th century, European settlers began to move into the region. Orangeburg Township was established in 1730 as one of the original townships of South Carolina, named after William IV of Orange, who was then the reigning Dutch monarch. The township quickly became an important center for trade and agriculture, with plantations developed to cultivate crops such as indigo, rice, and cotton. Slavery played a significant role in the economic success of these plantations, with many African Americans forced into bondage.

During the American Revolution, Orangeburg County played a pivotal role in the fight for independence. The Battle of Williamson's Plantation, fought in 1781, took place in the county and resulted in a significant victory for the Patriots against British forces. Orangeburg also experienced considerable damage and destruction as a result of the war, and the post-war years were marked by the process of rebuilding.

The 19th and 20th centuries saw the county continue to evolve and adapt to changing times. The expansion of the railroads in the mid-19th century facilitated trade and commerce, stimulating economic growth. However, Orangeburg County also faced challenges, particularly with racial tensions during the Civil Rights Movement. Notably, the Orangeburg Massacre occurred in 1968 when three black students were killed and many others injured during protests at South Carolina State University.

Today, Orangeburg County is a vibrant and diverse community with a mix of rural and urban areas. It is known for its rich agricultural heritage, especially in the production of tobacco, soybeans, and timber. The county also boasts several higher education institutions, including Claflin University and South Carolina State University, which contribute to the cultural and intellectual life of the area.

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

  • 1704 - Orangeburg County founded as one of the original seven counties of the Province of Carolina.
  • 1711 - Orangeburg Township established as a settlement on the banks of the North Edisto River.
  • 1730 - Orangeburg Township becomes an official town and is renamed Orangeburg.
  • 1785 - Orangeburg designated as the county seat.
  • 1865 - During the American Civil War, Orangeburg is occupied by Union forces.
  • 1888 - The South Carolina Senate establishes Claflin College in Orangeburg.
  • 1968 - Tragic incident known as the Orangeburg Massacre occurs at South Carolina State University, resulting in the deaths of three students.
  • 1995 - Santee State Park is established near Lake Marion, boosting tourism in the county.