Lancaster

“Lancaster County and its county seat were named for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.”

“Lancaster County and its county seat were named for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.” This origin is most likely tied to the Scotch-Irish settlers from Pennsylvania that settled the area in the mid-18th century. Initially belonging to the Camden District, the county was founded in 1785. Lancaster County became smaller after lands belonging to the county were used to create Kershaw County in 1791. Lancaster County lies between Charlotte, North Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina.

The county played an important role in the Revolutionary War, with the battles of Waxhaw and Hanging Rock occurring in the county. Lancaster County is also known for notable residents Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, and Charles M. Duke Jr., an astronaut. The area has relied and continues to rely heavily on agriculture. However, textiles and gold mining also entered the economy in the 19th century. 

           

A Brief History of Lancaster County. Accessed June 06, 2016. 

Chickens | History of SC Slide Collection
Chickens | History of SC Slide Collection
Episode 1

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Flocks of chickens provided an important source of meat protein, and possibly income, for this family in Lancaster. October 14, 1941 photo by L.W. Riley. Courtesy of the Clemson University Libraries.
Andrew Jackson State Park | Destination: SC Parks

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Andrew Jackson State Park is located in Lancaster County. Andrew Jackson claimed he was born on a South Carolina plantation that is now the area for Andrew Jackson State Park. He was known as the...
Andrew Jackson | History of SC Slide Collection
Andrew Jackson | History of SC Slide Collection
Episode 76

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Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), 7th President of the United States, was born in Waxhaw, South Carolina, of a backcountry family. Wounded and imprisoned in the Revolutionary War before his 14th birthday...
Transportation in SC | Palmetto Special

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The lesson deals primarily with the development of roads, railroads, and canals in South Carolina. The program is in a basic documentary form and was done entirely on location. Comparisons are made to...
Catawba Art Exhibit | Palmetto Scene

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In the late 1990s, the Catawba Nation received federal recognition. Photojournalist and Filmmaker Catherine Bauknight set out to document the revival of the tribe. Her photo essay exhibit at the...
Lancaster County - Mt. Carmel Campground
Lancaster County - Mt. Carmel Campground

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Organized by former slaves and members of the Mt. Carmel AME Zion Church, this campground has always been an interdenominational gathering place that combines religious services with fellowship. An...
Olde English District | A Natural State
Olde English District | A Natural State

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The Olde English District is comprised of the seven counties of Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Union and York. This county was named for the English settlement that was founded...