National Register Listings in Darlington County, South Carolina
Arcade Hotel
Cannon, W. E., House and Store
Cashua Street-Spring Street Historic District
Coker Experimental Farms
Coker, J. L., Company Building
Coker, James L., III, House
Coker, Robert R., House
Coker, S. Pressly, House
Dargan, Julius A., House
Darlington Downtown Historic District
Darlington Industrial Historic District
Darlington Memorial Cemetery
Davidson Hall, Coker College
Deas, Edmund H., House
Dunlap, C. K., House
East Home Avenue Historic District
First Baptist Church
Gilbert, J. B., House
Goodson, Arthur, House
Hart, John L., House
Hart, John L., House
Hart, Thomas E., House, and Kalmia Gardens
Hartsville Armory
Hartsville Community Center-Hartsville Community Market
Hartsville Passenger Station
Hartsville Post Office
Hicks, Wade Hampton, House
Hudson, Nelson, House
Japonica Hall
Kelley, Jacob, House
Lawton Park and Pavilion
Lide, Evan J., House
Lide, John W., House
Lydia Plantation
Magnolia Cemetery
Manne Building
McCall, Clarence, House
McCullough, Charles S., House
McNair, A. M., House
Memorial Hall
Oaklyn Plantation
Rogers, Paul H., House
South Carolina Western Railway Station
St. John's Historic District
Welsh Neck-Long Bluff-Society Hill Historic District
West Broad Street Historic District
West College Avenue Historic District
White Plains
Wilds Hall
Wilds-Edwards House
Williamson, Mrs. B. F., House
About Darlington County
Darlington County Timeline
Darlington County, located in the northeastern part of South Carolina, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Pee Dee and Catawba tribes. European exploration and settlement began in the 1700s, with the establishment of trading posts and small settlements along the Great Pee Dee River.
In the late 18th century, Darlington County was officially formed in 1785, named after Darlington, a town in England, by an act of the South Carolina General Assembly. The county quickly grew in population, largely due to the agricultural potential of the area. Cotton became the primary cash crop, and plantations flourished, utilizing enslaved labor.
During the American Civil War, Darlington County played a significant role. It was the site of several battles and skirmishes as Union troops attempted to disrupt the Confederate supply lines along the railroad. Notable events include the Battle of Hartsville in 1862 and the destruction of the town of Darlington in 1865.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Darlington County experienced economic growth and modernization. The railroad expanded, connecting the county to larger cities like Charleston and Florence, and improving transportation of goods and people. Agriculture remained vital, but industries such as timber, tobacco, and textiles also thrived, drawing immigrants and creating jobs.
Today, Darlington County continues to be a diverse and vibrant community. It is known for its thriving agricultural sector, especially in the production of tobacco, soybeans, and cotton. The county also celebrates its history through various festivals and events, preserving and honoring its heritage. Darlington's rich past, combined with its present-day progress, makes it an exceptional place to live and visit.
In the late 18th century, Darlington County was officially formed in 1785, named after Darlington, a town in England, by an act of the South Carolina General Assembly. The county quickly grew in population, largely due to the agricultural potential of the area. Cotton became the primary cash crop, and plantations flourished, utilizing enslaved labor.
During the American Civil War, Darlington County played a significant role. It was the site of several battles and skirmishes as Union troops attempted to disrupt the Confederate supply lines along the railroad. Notable events include the Battle of Hartsville in 1862 and the destruction of the town of Darlington in 1865.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Darlington County experienced economic growth and modernization. The railroad expanded, connecting the county to larger cities like Charleston and Florence, and improving transportation of goods and people. Agriculture remained vital, but industries such as timber, tobacco, and textiles also thrived, drawing immigrants and creating jobs.
Today, Darlington County continues to be a diverse and vibrant community. It is known for its thriving agricultural sector, especially in the production of tobacco, soybeans, and cotton. The county also celebrates its history through various festivals and events, preserving and honoring its heritage. Darlington's rich past, combined with its present-day progress, makes it an exceptional place to live and visit.
Darlington County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Darlington County, South Carolina.
- 1730: Land in the area now known as Darlington County was purchased from the Cheraw Indians by a group of settlers.
- 1785: The town of Darlington was established and named after Darlington in England.
- 1791: Darlington County was officially formed and named after the town.
- 1800s: The county saw significant economic growth with the rise of cotton plantations and the construction of the Cheraw and Darlington Railroad.
- 1865: Darlington County was heavily impacted by the Civil War, experiencing battles and devastation.
- 1871: The South Carolina General Assembly established Darlington County's current boundaries.
- Late 19th-early 20th century: The county transitioned from an agricultural economy to a more diversified economy with the growth of industries like tobacco and textiles.
- 1990: The Darlington Raceway, a famous NASCAR track, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.