National Register Listing

Walterboro Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Walterboro Library Society Building;Walterboro Hist

Roughly bounded by Jeffries Blvd., Sanders, Black, Church, Valley and Lemacks Sts., Walterboro, SC
Local significance of the district:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of South Carolina.
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
Colleton County, situated along the coast of South Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Edisto, Combahee, and Ashepoo, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century, with Spanish and French explorers making contact with the native populations.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Colleton County became an important center for plantation agriculture. Large-scale rice and indigo plantations were established by English settlers, who imported enslaved Africans to work the land. The labor-intensive production of rice and indigo brought wealth to the area and shaped the social and economic dynamics of the county. However, these plantations were often sites of harsh conditions and suffering for the enslaved population.

During the American Revolution, many residents of Colleton County were divided in their loyalties. Some supported the rebellion against British rule, while others remained loyal to the Crown. The area witnessed several skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Tulifinny in 1779. After the war, Colleton County saw a decline in plantation agriculture as the demand for indigo and rice waned.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Colleton County experienced economic shifts and social changes. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century enabled the county to connect with nearby cities and industries, leading to the growth of towns like Walterboro. The county also played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with African Americans advocating for desegregation and equal rights. Today, Colleton County continues to preserve its history through museums, historic sites, and cultural events that highlight its diverse heritage.

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

  • 1670 - English settlers arrive in the area, which will become Colleton County, as part of the Province of Carolina
  • 1700s - The region becomes known for its agricultural production, including rice, indigo, and timber
  • 1800s - Colleton County experiences economic growth, particularly in cotton production
  • 1861-1865 - Colleton County residents actively participate in the American Civil War
  • 1893 - The county seat is moved from Walterboro to the newly established town of Colleton
  • 1920s-1930s - Colleton County faces economic difficulties due to the Great Depression
  • 1942-1945 - The Naval Air Station Beaufort is established in Colleton County during World War II
  • 1950s - Agriculture continues to be a vital part of the county's economy, with a focus on tobacco, soybeans, and peanuts
  • 1980s - The county experiences industrial growth, with new manufacturing facilities being built
  • 2000s - Colleton County focuses on expanding its tourism industry, highlighting its natural resources and historical sites