community PROFILE GLANCE AT A

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1 community AT A GLANCE Camden was founded in 1733 and is South Carolina s oldest inland city. Kershaw County derives its name from Joseph Kershaw, one of the first community leaders of Camden. Two Revolutionary War battles took place near Camden. By 1885, Camden and Kershaw County became a popular winter resort. Horse-related activities were very popular, and that interest has flourished. Today, Camden is known as the Steeplechase Capital of the World. City living or country comfort can easily be found in Kershaw County. The area boasts a charming mix of antebellum homes and more contemporary dwellings in its municipalties and beyond. Larger tracts suitable for horse and agricultural farms are within an easy drive. The median value of owner-occupied housing units for the period is $116,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The pending completion of Franklin, Tenn.-based Capella Healthcare s proposed lease/purchase of the -owned KershawHealth -- in partnership with MUSC Health, the patient care arm of the Medical University of South Carolina -- is expected to bring significant expansion of health care services as well as strengthen the financial resources needed to grow and expand facilities and increase the scope of care offered to the community. KershawHealth is the second largest employer in the. In addition to a hospital and long-term care center at the main campus in Camden, the health care system offers a range of medical, health and wellness services at locations across the Kershaw County area. PROFILE Central Carolina Technical College, a public, two-year institution of higher learning, established a Kershaw County campus in Since that time, the local campus has expanded from its home at the Kershaw County Government Center to include facilities shared with the Kershaw County Economic Development Office. Within its primary region of Kershaw, Sumter, Clarendon, and Lee counties, CCTC annually serves more than 6,300 credit students and 2,2000 continuing education students through traditional and non-traditional formats. Kershaw County enjoys a mild climate with an average temperature of 61.6ºF. The winter average temperature is 42ºF, with a summer average of 79.7ºF. The normal yearly precipitation is approximately 49.1 inches. 1 / Discover Camden-Kershaw County / 2015/2016

2 CAMDEN Camden is South Carolina s oldest inland city. Steeped in history and situated twenty minutes from the Columbia metropolitan area, Camden offers quaint shopping opportunities, varied dining selections, and a very appealing small-town lifestyle. Whether exploring Camden s Historic District on your own, or traveling with a group enjoying a guided tour of the area, you will find Camden s charm irresistible. Camden is anxious to share yesterday s treasures with today s visitors. Browse through the extensive Arts & Antiques District discovering mementos of days gone by. Dine in one of our many fine restaurants or stop to refuel at one of several local coffee shops. The possibilities are endless! 2 / Discover Camden-Kershaw County / 2015/2016 WESTVILLE Before Westville got its name, it was known only as the West Section. In 1888, resident John C. West applied for the establishment of a post office and became the first postmaster. This post office officially changed its name to Westville in Westville is located on Highway 521 and is 16 miles north of Camden. The Westville Fire Station opened in 1976, and the Westville fire tower is one of the few still in use in South Carolina. LUGOFF Lugoff was named for Count Lugoff (Loo goff), a Russian engineer, who helped build the Seaboard Air Line Railway in Lugoff is one of many stations in Kershaw County used by the Seaboard Railway. Count Lugoff brought many Russian laborers to work on the construction of the railroad, but what became of them afterwards is unknown. Lugoff is located on Highway 1 and is four miles west of Camden. It is the home of the Invista Plant, formerly DuPont, and it is also the birthplace of Brook Benton, best known for recording Rainy Night in Georgia.

3 HISTORIC BOYKIN 3 / Discover Camden-Kershaw County / 2015/2016 TOWN OF ELGIN The roots for the present-day town of Elgin trace back to when the Seaboard Coastline Railroad was making its way across the midlands of South Carolina. The tracks came through the southwest corner of Kershaw County and workers were lodged in the first house that was built for them alongside the railroad. As the rails progressed, this area was named Blaney for a New York banker by that name who had been instrumental in funding the railroad and was a vice-president of the railroad company. The Town of Blaney was chartered and incorporated on January 23, Tremors of growth came about in late 1961 and Then State Sen. John West, who was also the Blaney Town Attorney, was in his second term and had not been able to bring any new industry to Kershaw County. He talked with his friend Governor Fritz Hollings, and soon he was put in touch with the management of the Elgin National Watch Company of Elgin, Illinois. West took the Elgin team to the Blaney area and they were impressed with the availability of large tracts of land and the proximity to Columbia, where they felt they would find a good labor market. Local residents began working up incentives to bring the company to Blaney. Eventually the name was changed from Blaney to Elgin. The plant was dedicated in March, 1963 and more than 200 people worked there the majority of them women. The jobs and prosperity the company brought to the community were short-lived, however. In September 1967, the company announced it was no longer able to compete with foreign manufactured watches and they were getting out of the business. Reminders of the old name remain in Blaney Elementary School, Blaney Baptist Church, and Blaney Fire Department. Whether you re an old friend, or you re planning your first visit to Boykin, we welcome you and invite you to enjoy the beauty, history, hospitality, fine food and fun of our unique and charming little crossroads community. Witness the ancient art of fine broom-making at The Broom Place, an authentic circa 1740 rustic settler s cabin. Visit the 200-year-old Boykin Mill, or, pause in the stark, simple reverence of Swift Creek Baptist Church to reflect on the bravery and history of this significant Civil War battlefield site, the last battle fought in South Carolina during the Civil War. Experience the pleasures of southern hospitality and fine dining at the Mill Pond Steakhouse where you can feast on a selection of worldly culinary favorites prepared with a unique regional flair. Relax and view the sunset over the water from your window table. Enjoy the gentle evening breeze on their trellised deck, or dine inside by a cozy fireplace on a chilly night. CASSATT The area of Cassatt began as a railroad stop on the Seaboard Railroad and was named for a railroad executive. Cassatt is one of the many small towns dotting US Highway 1 as it meanders south from Maine to Florida. Locals and visitors alike enjoy visits to the Hard Times Cafe on Highway 1 for a taste of southern cooking at its finest.

4 TOWN OF BETHUNE Europeans came to the Bethune area in the early 1800s, and at that time the Kadapaw Indians inhabited the area. Bethune was originally known as Lynchwood when a post office was established there in When the railroad came to this area, it crossed property belonging to Daniel Murdock Bethune. When the charter for the town was issued in 1900, the town s name was changed from Lynchwood to Bethune in honor of Daniel M. Bethune. Mr. Bethune was one of the pioneer men of the community, which was predominately of Scottish decent. On high ground surrounded by the waters of Lynches River and Little Lynches River, Bethune is a quiet town where turn-of-the-century Southern charm reigns supreme. Train tracks run beside Bethune Town Hall as a reminder of the rail s importance to this stop on the Seaboard Railroad. Residents are carefully restoring historic homes to preserve the town s smalltown charm and character. The bridge on Highway 1, north of Bethune, is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only bridge spanning the same river three times. Bethune was awarded the Governor s Rural Economic Achievement Trophy, and thus became the smallest of participating cities and towns in South Carolina to qualify as a GREAT town. The People of Bethune is more than just a phrase; it is four words that describe the dedication and drive of a community on the move. Bethune is everybody s idea of a small town. A wide main street, good schools, a good library, excellent medical facilities, beautiful homes and friendly people are found in Bethune. From healing springs, to pottery, to agriculture, this Kershaw County town is proud of its heritage. Making Parents Proud Since 1892 Camden Military Academy Camden, South Carolina camdenmilitary.com 4 / Discover Camden-Kershaw County / 2015/2016

5 Settled by lovers of freedom in the early 19th century, Liberty Hill sits on a narrow ridge with a view of four counties. Grand homes dot the idyllic countryside, one of which was home to South Carolina s first millionaire, Joseph Cunningham. This tiny community withstood occupation by Sherman s Army during the War Between the States. Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church and cemetery offer a serene spot for reflecting on the important role Kershaw County played in 225 years of our country s history. This church features the 142-year old bell from the original church and a solid mahogany organ believed to have been imported from England, one of the oldest in the state still in use. Although the origin of the name, Liberty Hill, is unknown, one story indicates that the name is rather self-evident. Following LIBERTY HILL the American Revolutionary War, people who loved freedom settled in the hills. Due to this migration, the settlement began at Liberty Hill. There has been a settlement there since 1813, when Peter Garlick located a store which was a gathering place for farmers of the surrounding. Wealthy planters built mansions in the area during the period In 1858, this community was one of the richest in South Carolina. Every landowner had large estates and many slaves. Many families residing at Liberty Hill have lived there for years, and many of their descendants still live there. After the War Between the States, Sherman s army reduced many of the homes to a state of poverty. Emancipation of the slaves, destruction of property, and the general decline of business all contributed to the diminishing of the once proud and wealthy people to a state of helplessness and despair following this war. Since Liberty Hill was an agricultural community, it was slow to adapt to the changing economic conditions during the Reconstruction period 5 / Discover Camden-Kershaw County / 2015/2016