OUR COMMUNITIES

To learn about the history of Bowman is to come across a plethora of names still familiar to the Orangeburg area today and to know these are some of the people who throughout the chronology of this region indelibly influenced how Bowman and beyond evolved.

Branchville is one of the oldest towns in the county being established 1734, which is a distinction to be proud of. However, the citizens of Branchville are also proud of the Branchville Depot, known also as the Southern Railroad Passenger Depot, which was built in 1877. It was added to the National...

The small community of Cope has a beautifully preserved railroad depot whose aesthetic colors and proportions are captured through the lens of photographer Sara Dean. Other of Sara’s sensitive images of architectural heritage sites in Cope are a lure for fellow photographers or for visitors who want...

Cordova and its coffeepot once described as a “Paul Bunyan size percolator” were once synonymous when the Coffee Pot Diner was in its heyday. 

The Elloree Heritage Museum & Cultural Center is the successful outcome of an extraordinary effort by citizens of Elloree to be a vital part of the revitalization of its downtown area. A rendition of the Museum’s frontage by William “Bill” Clark of Clark’s Inn and Restaurant in Santee, SC, evokes...

The very quiet town of Eutawville and the community of Eutaw Springs are steeped in history. Eutaw, according to the town’s website, is the Native American word for pine.

Holly Hill’s Providence United Methodist Church has an admirable and inspiring history as well as being placed in 2009 on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed in 1919-20, Providence UMC is recognized as being architecturally significant as an outstanding and remarkable example of...

Neeses, aside from being the home of two nationally acclaimed artist, Lee Malerich and Glen Saborosch, was also the home of writer and historian Ellen P. Chaplin, who made inroads for a woman of her times.

One of North’s connections to the arts takes the form of an icon, annually celebrated, throughout the state, and proclaimed by the South Carolina Legislature as Eartha Kitt Day.

Norway owes its existence to the railroad. It is one of four South Carolina towns named after Scandinavian countries (the others Denmark, Finland and Sweden).

Founded in 1704 and incorporated in 1883, the city is named after William IV, of the Netherlands, one of whose titles was the Prince of Orange. Local historians and writers early on collected, chronicle and published documents about the area.

Santee, as a resort town, has long carved out a brand to attract visitors and part-time residents to its waters and golf courses, while at the same time maintaining its Santee geniality towards the town's and nearby residents. 

Springfield can be proud of its high school being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The town of Vance claims to have the best peaches in South Carolina and it can also claim to have one of the best wide receiver in NFL history, Mike Williams.