CALHOUN COUNTY
County Offices
102 Courthouse Drive
St Matthews 803-874-2435
www.calhouncounty.sc.gov
Chamber of Commerce
114 Courthouse Drive
St. Matthews 803-655-5650
Major Highways
Interstate 26; US Highways 21, 176, 601
Rural Calhoun County remains modest in population but impressive in the quality of life it offers. With beautiful Lake Marion forming part of the county’s boundary, this area is anchored by the county seat and leading city of St. Matthews.
Services
Newcomers to Calhoun County can look forward to quality educational services and facilities that span the generations to support an attitude of lifelong learning. In addition to quality public and private schools that serve kindergarten through 12th grade students, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College offers a comprehensive community-based college close to home. OCtech is part of the South Carolina Technical and Comprehensive Education System, offering a full range of programs that include allied health and nursing, business, college transfer programs, computer technology, continuing education, distance learning, industrial technology, and public service. This institution has played an active role in building the community in both Orangeburg and Calhoun counties, developing and implementing training programs that contribute to economic development.
Aiken in nearby Aiken County offers another technical college and a state university, while Orangeburg in neighboring Orangeburg County is home to South Carolina State University and the private Claflin University. Founded in 1869, Claflin is the oldest historically black institution in South Carolina. Today, U.S. News & World Report ranks Claflin in the “top ten” and number one in “best value” among Southern comprehensive colleges for students working toward a bachelor’s degree in its Guidebook to America’s Best Colleges. This small university has long been recognized for a rich legacy of achievements by graduates in medicine, law, teaching, and other professions.
State-of-the-art healthcare is anchored by the Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg & Calhoun Counties, located approximately 10 miles from Matthews. This 286-bed institution maintains a staff of nearly 120 physicians and employees more than 1,100. Committed to furthering the health and well being of residents throughout the two-county region, the wellness team at HealthPlex provides a variety of services that include health screenings, family health assessments, smoking cessation, weight management, ergonomics, and fitness classes. The health education department offers programs for childbirth preparation, siblings, Safe Sitter, CPR, diabetes, and wound care among others.
Lifestyle
“City life, country living” are the hallmarks of Calhoun County, rich in history and diversity. This region has long served as an agricultural center, the site of one of South Carolina’s first commercial cotton crops in 1974. Cotton remains a major crop, although soy beans are now the leading cash crop. In fact, Calhoun County is the state’s largest producer of soy beans on a per-capita basis. With the county seat of Matthews located just 32 miles from the state capital of Columbia, Calhoun County residents enjoy the relaxed pace and serenity of rural living in close proximity to urban advantages.
Recreational opportunities are outstanding, including hundred of scenic fish ponds where anglers pull out fine catches of brim and large-mouth bass. Lake Marion is home to the Rock Fish, the only land-locked striped bass. The lake does not ice over during the winter months, allowing a year-round fishing season if weather permits. Deer and small game are plentiful, so hunting tends to be popular. Racing, rodeos, and equestrian shows delight horse enthusiasts, while both residents and visitors enjoy the Purple Martin Festival. This annual spring event in St. Matthews honors the Purple Martin birds that are so valuable in controlling mosquitoes.
The focal point of cultural activity is the Calhoun Museum and Cultural Center in St. Matthews, which offers exhibits, performing arts, educational programming, and tours on art history. Several antebellum plantation estates have survived both time and General Sherman’s Civil War march, as well as the handsome neoclassic Calhoun Courthouse is also now included on the National Historic Register. The last half of the 20th century saw the development of a good balance between agricultural activity, industrial growth, and recreational opportunity in the county, creating a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
St. Matthews
Town Hall
803-874-2435
www.calhouncounty.sc.gov
Chamber of Commerce
803-655-5650
The town is the county seat of Calhoun County, serving as the hub of culture and government for a primarily rural population. Home to fewer than 3,000 residents, the city proudly preserves the historic treasures of the region in its historic courthouse and antebellum homes as well as the Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center. Art and history meld in this venue, a showcase of costumes, period furniture, Native American exhibits, archive collections, a research room, and artifacts from Calhoun County. Beyond the agricultural fields that surround the city are the urban amenities of Orangeburg County, including technical colleges, universities, performing arts, galleries, fine restaurants, and expansive shopping. Outdoor enthusiasts will discover a wealth of opportunities close to home that include river and lakefront water sports, exceptional golf courses, fishing, camping, hiking, and biking.
