Appin (Boundary Increase)
US 15/401 W, approx. 1 mi. SW of Bennettsville, Bennettsville, SC Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
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.
The Gullah/Geechee people, who are descendants of enslaved Africans from the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia, have their own unique culture and language. The Gullah/Geechee language is a creole language that combines elements of English and African languages, and the Gullah/Geechee people have preserved many traditions and customs from their African ancestors, including basket weaving and storytelling.
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.
Marlboro County Timeline
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