York County lies within the Olde English region of South Carolina. The county and its seat are named in honor of York County, Pennsylvania.
Catawba Indians initially inhabited the region before they ceded control of the area to the United States via treaty in 1763. After this treaty was signed, a great number of Scotch-Irish from both Pennsylvania and the South Carolina Lowcountry began to settle the area.
The county was founded in 1785 within the Camden District. It later belonged to the Pinckney District before becoming its own district. During the Revolutionary War, the battles of Williamson’s Plantation and King’s Mountain took place here.
Initially, the economy relied on small cotton farms. However, over time the economy transitioned from cotton farming to cotton processing and became dependent on the textile industry.
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The British officer Captain Christian Huck upset many with his cruel and agressive mishandling of local residents in the backcountry. Captain Huck and the British Legion were on their way towards...
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General Thomas Sumter was an American Revolutionary War militia leader and later a U.S. Congressman. After the crushing defeat at Waxhaws, General Sumter gathered militia troops in South Carolina...
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Fireplace inside the McConnell Cabin. The Brick Kitchen and the McConnell Cabin are the only buildings in which fire was used. Early 1800s cooking is represented here.
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This was the main food preparation area for the Homestead. Food would be prepared and carried over. This was typical during this time period, in order to prevent fires. Be sure to view the 3D Virtual...
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Below the Assembly Hall is the cellar, which acted as a central storage and work area, and was used for food preparation. A dumb waiter was used to bring items from the cellar to the dining room.
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In the Wood Shed, tools were stored and repairs were made to the wagons.
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In the Wood Shed, wood working would be done and furniture would be made.
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Farm animals were kept at the Work Barn.
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Farm animals helped farmers to succeed in agriculture.
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Left : Work Barn Right: Small Corn Crib for storing corn. After harvesting the corn, it would be left in the crib to dry with the shucks still on. After it dried out and the shucks were removed, it...