Hampton

The Lowcountry county of Hampton is saturated with history. Hampton County and its county seat were named after Confederate general Wade Hampton. General Hampton became governor of South Carolina slightly before the county was created with lands from Beaufort County in 1878. During the Civil War, General Sherman traveled through the area, resulting in several small Civil War battles. The county has also served as the setting of Revolutionary War and Yamassee War events. In more recent history, notable county locals include two-time track and field gold medalist Lucille Ellerbe Godfold.

Native Americans comprised a large part of the county’s heritage. The area was originally known as the Indian Lands. Many Native American tribes, especially the Yammasee and Creek Indians of Florida, held a large presence in the region’s swamplands and forests. This part of the county now constitutes a South Carolina Wildlife Area.

Today the county is still largely agricultural with a population of about 20,000 at the time of the 2010 census. Farmers grow wheat, corn, and soybeans most often in this area, but timber also constitutes an important part of the county’s agriculture.  The area is home to a number of plantation homes open to the public as well as Lake Warren State Park and the Hampton County Watermelon Festival, which is South Carolina’s oldest continuing festival.

About Hampton County. Accessed June 06, 2016. http://www.hamptoncountysc.org/index.aspx?NID=38

South Carolina Lowcountry Official Video Visitors Guide. Accessed June 06, 2016. http://www.discoverthelowcountry.com/hampton-county.html