Discover Hampton County, South Carolina

Hampton County is surrounded by an incredible quality of life offering activities for everyone. Enjoy a friendly hometown atmosphere where individual interests and needs can be met through a variety of civic, service, social and special interest organizations. There are opportunities to enjoy the arts and explore a rich cultural and historical heritage.

Hampton County is a paradise for anyone who loves hunting, fishing, golfing, beaches and the natural beauty of the great outdoors. All can be found in Hampton County or enjoyed on a rewarding day trip.

Hampton County is host to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year….enjoy annual events or special events. Mark your calendar and come join the fun.

• History
  
  
• Recreation
  
  
• Points of Interest

• Government Services
  
  
• Economy

• Education
  
  
• Utilities

• Medical Services
  
  
• Transportation

Today's Hampton County was originally mapped as "Indian Lands." Yamasee and Creek Indians, migrating from Florida, and others had trading posts, trails, burial grounds and ceremonial grounds throughout the pinewoods and swamplands. Numerous Indian names remain: Salkehatchie, Coosawhatchie, Huspah, Caw Caw and Combahee.

On 1769 maps, Beaufort District was subdivided into three parishes: St. Peter's, St. Luke's and Prince William's. Most of Prince William's Parish is now Hampton County. Another name for the northern part of Beaufort was Lincoln County, which eventually became Hampton County.

Hampton County did not escape the ravages of war, its lands seeing action in the Yamasee War, Revolutionary War and Civil War. General William T. Sherman's Union troops cut a three-pronged swath of destruction through Hampton County on his march from Savannah to Columbia.

In 1868 the county seat of Beaufort County was relocated from Gillisonville, near the center, to the Town of Beaufort. This created greater distances for many of the county residents to travel in order to conduct county business, so the State Legislature was petitioned to allow a new county to be formed, giving birth to Hampton County.

It was important to seat the new government in a place convenient to all. Voters chose the geographic center of the new county, but when it was surveyed, the center was found to be a large cypress pond surrounded by swamp. In a second referendum, Varnville won the county seat race and commissioners determined the new courthouse could be situated within two miles of the town that won the referendum. The center of the courthouse was placed exactly two miles from the Varnville Depot. The well-worn brass top of the surveyor's benchmark may still be seen in the center of the main corridor in the Hampton County Courthouse. Officially identified as the Town of Hampton Courthouse, the town was incorporated December 23, 1879 as Town of Hampton.

In 1912, a strip of Beaufort County and a southwestern slice of Hampton County were joined to form Jasper County. In 1919, Hampton County was again reduced in size when the northernmost tip was cut off and added to a piece of southern Barnwell County to form Allendale County.

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Hampton County adopted the council form of government in 1975, under the South Carolina Home Rule Act. A five member County Council, employing a professional administrator, governs the county. Hampton County is included in South Carolina Senate Districts 39 and 45 and House Districts 120 and 122. The Second Congressional District includes Hampton County. The Fourteenth Judicial Circuit is comprised of Hampton, Allendale, Jasper, Beaufort and Colleton Counties.

The Hampton County Sheriff's Department provides law enforcement for the county. Towns maintain their own local police protection. The county provides countywide fire service to the rural areas. The towns of Estill, Hampton, Varnville and Yemassee maintain their own fire departments. EMS personnel serve the emergency medical needs in the county. A central 911 communications center provides countywide coverage for EMS, fire and law enforcement coordination. <back to top>

The Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) is one of sixteen comprehensive two-year colleges in South Carolina with a campus in Beaufort and the Mungin Center in Varnville. <back to top>

Hampton County is famous to many sportsmen for its exceptional hunting and excellent pond, creek and river fishing. South Carolina has a four and a half month deer season and Hampton County has one of the largest white tail deer population in the country. Daily and weekly fee hunting at overnight lodges and accommodations at large plantation hunting clubs are available. Wildlife abounds with ducks, wild turkeys, doves, quail and wild hogs being popular game. The Savannah River, Coosawhatchie River, Salkehatchie River and Combahee River offers fishing, boating, skiing and swimming. Salt and freshwater sports can be enjoyed nearby.

Recreation facilities in the county include parks with picnic facilities and playgrounds, baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts and basketball courts. Hampton and Varnville sponsor a recreation program with organized competition for youth in baseball, softball, football and soccer. The Hampton County Recreation Department offers a wide selection of activities for all ages. Penny Branch Club is an 18 hole golf course in Furman. The Woody Williams Saddle Club offers horsemen a variety of activities.

Nearby within easy driving distance are other unique opportunities. Broxton Bridge Plantation offers a variety of hunting opportunities, full range of sport shooting, historic tours of on-site civil war battlegrounds and a campground for trail ride enthusiasts. Horse camping on Lakeview Plantation offers the most enjoyable year-round scenario in the region for leisurely trail riding in South Carolina on more than 60 miles of trails. The extensive ACE Basin includes thousands of acres of public lands and a variety of activities, including hunting, fishing, boating, bird watching, hiking, bicycling and all types of nature study. Edisto River Basin located in South Carolina is the world's longest free-flowing "blackwater" stream encompassing twelve counties. The peaceful rate of flow makes it ideal for paddling enthusiasts of all skill levels. <back to top>

Hampton County has developed prime industrial sites and enjoys a strategic location on the Eastern Seaboard. Located on I-95 between Charleston and Savannah, Hampton County offers three industrial parks, all of which have been certified through the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Estill Industrial Park is located near Savannah on Highway 321. The Lowcountry Regional Industrial Park offers over 478 acres in a Foreign Trade Zone. The county's newest industrial park , Southern Carolina Commerce Park, is developed jointly through a public/private partnership with MeadWestvaco. The Park is located 5 miles from I-95 Exit 38.

Hampton County's businesses and industries are an important part of its economy. The County hosts a diversity of industry and supports a variety of retail stores and family owned businesses. In addition to a focus on recruiting new industries to our area, Hampton County has a proven commitment to supporting those who are already part of our local economy. <back to top>

Hampton Museum and Visitors Center
Housed in the former Bank of Hampton building (1892). Contains military artifacts,
children's room, antique medical equipment, genealogy research services and cemetery information in Hampton County. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 99 Elm Street East, Hampton, SC (803) 943-5318

Brunson's Famous Town Hall
Built in 1906, Ripley's "Believe It or Not" cited it as the only Town Hall on stilts in the world. The stilts provided shade and accessibility for an artesian well beneath the building. Now houses the Brunson Museum. 800 Railroad Avenue, Brunson, SC (803) 632-3448

Penny Branch Club Located in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, 18 lush holes with putting green, practice bunker and driving range with target greens. 400 Penny Branch Trail, Furman, SC (803) 625-0222 Estill Museum First municipal building in Estill (1907). Later used as a medical clinic and jail. Features exhibits on the history of Estill. 44 Third Street, Estill, SC (803) 625-3803

Lake Warren State Park Located off U. S. 601 South, this 420 acre park offers a 200 acre lake for fishing and boating, nature trail, picnic and shelter areas, boat rentals, and community building. (803) 943-5051 Webb Wildlife Center Located on Augusta Stagecoach Road in Garnett, SC offers fishing, hunting, wildlife observation. (803) 625-3569 Stoney Creek Chapel Only pre-Civil War structure remaining in McPhersonville. Built in 1832 it was used as a hospital during the Civil War and the blood stains still remain. Old Pocataligo Road at McPhersonville.

Walking Trails Walking Trail Town of Hampton (803) 943-2951 Varnville Historical Walking Trail (803) 943-2979 Estill Nature Walking Trail (803) 625-3243 Lowcountry Revolutionary Trail 800-528-6870 Palmetto Theatre Art deco design built in 1946 and operated as a movie theatre. Was renovated and reopened in 1993 for use by the Hampton County Arts Council as a social center featuring plays, musicals, concerts. 109 Lee Avenue, Hampton, SC (803) 943-3100

Hampton County Courthouse
Built in 1878, the same year Hampton County was formed. The cornerstone was laid by General Wade Hampton, III. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After renovation, a dedication ceremony was held February 2009. Highway 278, Hampton, SC (803) 943-5484 <back to top>