ORANGEBURG COUNTY, SC
County Office
1437 Amelia Street
Orangeburg 803-533-6101
www.orangeburgcounty.org
Chamber of Commerce
155 Riverside Drive Southwest
Orangeburg 800-545-6153
www.orangeburgchamber.com
Strategically located between the state capital of Columbia and the port of Charleston, Orangeburg County has a lot to offer the outdoor enthusiast, from breathtaking gardens to beautiful lakes and the
longest blackwater river in the world. Warm summers and mild winters provide enjoyable living and recreational activities such as golfing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and canoeing year-round.
Services
The Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties is a 286-bed, acute-care, regional referral center serving a six-county area, with an active medical staff of over 100 physicians. The Medical Center offers 24-hour emergency department services and has an outpatient Cancer Treatment Center, an inpatient Psychiatric Unit, and both outpatient and inpatient Rehabilitation Units.
Education is important in the county and there are three major educational institutions in the area, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Claflin University, and South Carolina State University all offer a variety of educational and degree programs. Orangeburg County is also home to Southern Methodist College, one of South Carolina’s top liberal arts institutions. In the public school system there are more than 16,000 students in the three public school districts (Districts 3, 4, and 5.) Within these three districts, there are 17 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 8 high schools – all with programs designed to help pupils meet their full potential as students and community members. The County school district spends more than $6,000 per student – which is higher than the state average.
Lifestyle
Orangeburg County is home to many exciting recreational opportunities and although it is primarily an rural and agricultural county it is home to many exciting attractions. The city of Orangeburg is the home of the Edisto Memorial Gardens and the county is home to the stunning Lake Marion with 315 miles of shoreline and a thriving vacation and tourism industry. The lake offers some of the best fishing waters in the world are found here. The Santee Cooper Lakes – Marion and Moultrie offer everything from shallow swamps and black water ponds to vast, open water with a multitude of underwater structure, the lakes offer a wonderful natural experience while enjoying the sports of fishing or boating. And to the areas wonderful year round weather and relatively mild climate, the lakes do not ice over in the winter, so year-round fishing is enjoyed.
Besides the lake side activity, the county offers wonderful small towns, rural scenery and all of the joys of a relaxed lifestyle. The county has a wide selection of residential areas in which homes are available for sale in a variety of price ranges and style – with everything from lakeside cottages to classic American farmhouses. Orangeburg County is a warm, welcoming place with a unique charm that promises tranquil living for newcomers to the area.
City of Orangeburg
City Offices
803-533-6000
www.orangeburg.sc.us
Chamber of Commerce
800-545-6153
www.orangeburgchamber.com
Today, Orangeburg serves as the county seat. It is the most populated city in the county. Arts and entertainment are important to the citizens of Orangeburg. The Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center, located in the Edisto Memorial Gardens, offers classes, workshops and performances for the community. Local artists exhibit in the art gallery, and their works are featured in the small gift shop. The critically acclaimed Orangeburg Part-Time Players, Children’s Performing Arts Academy, Orangeburg Civic Ballet and renowned Henderson-Davis Players of South Carolina State University delight audiences with a variety of performances each year. Hillcrest recreation facility, owned and operated by the City of Orangeburg, offers a public golf course, tennis courts, soccer fields and baseball/softball fields. This along with other playgrounds throughout the city, and tennis courts and picnic areas in the Edisto Memorial Gardens, provides ample recreational facilities for residents and visitors.
Bowman
Town Hall
803-829-2666
http://bowmansc.com
Chamber of Commerce
800-545-6153
www.orangeburgchamber.com
Located in the central part of Orangeburg County, Bowman boasts varied recreational opportunities. The Bowman Nature Park features picnic areas, walking trails, volleyball, basketball, tennis courts and meeting facilities to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors. The diversified economy of the area produces agriculture and dairy products, as well as various manufactured goods. In 1927, the state’s first certified motor carrier was established in Bowman. Bowman is also the states dairy capital. This quaint town of about 1,200 people, nestled between the capital city of Columbia and the historic port city of Charleston. Bowman has a police department, fire department, town hall, post office, a pharmacy, medical center, a grocery store, a dry cleaners, an inner-city park, a nature park w/ a walking trail, specialty shops, restaurants, a gas station, and a number of other local businesses within walking distance. The Town also has great access to two interstate highways (I-26, I-95). With its rural charm and small town feel Bowman offers its residents a wonderful place to call home.
Branchville
Town Hall
803-274-8820
www.branchville.sc.gov
Chamber of Commerce
800-545-6153
www.orangeburgchamber.com
Branchville, located in the extreme southeastern tip of Orangeburg County, is one of South Carolina’s oldest communities and was incorporated in December 1858. Branchville is famous for having the world’s oldest railroad junction. Today, the train depot is a museum and the center of the town is the Augusta rail road track on Main. Each year this historic location is celebrate with a large festival that swells the town’s population from around 1200 residents to many thousands of visitors. While it maintains its small town charm, Branchville is within easy access of everything its residents could need.
Holly Hill
Town Hall
803-496-3330
www.townofhollyhillsc.com
Chamber of Commerce
800-545-6153
www.orangeburgchamber.com
Holly Hill was built around a grove of holly trees. The last tree from the original grove, estimated to be 98 years old, was removed in 1957. A replacement for this tree was planted as part of the South Carolina
Tri-Centennial Celebration in 1970. Holly Hill is known as “the biggest little town in South Carolina.” The town is easily accessible from Interstates 26 and 95. The restored railroad depot serves as the Holly Hill’s Visitor and Information Center. Located 13 miles south of Holly Hill is the National Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp. It is known for the largest remaining stand of virgin bald cypress/tupelo gum swamp forest left anywhere in the world. With its location in the Santee – Lake Marion area the town is part of the vacation mecca that revolves around the lake.
Santee
Chamber of Commerce
800-545-6153
www.orangeburgchamber.com
Tourism Bureau
www.santeetourism.com
Situated adjacent to Lake Marion in the northeastern section of the County, Santee has a year round population of just a little more than 800 residents, but with the summer visitors the population grows to a much larger number. The main economic force in the area is Lake Marion and the tourism that it supports. Santee has many restaurants, motels, service stations and sport related stores. Santee State Park on Lake Marion contains vacation cottages, campsites, picnic areas, tennis courts, playgrounds swimming, fishing, sailing, boating and almost every type of outdoor recreation that residents or visitors could want. For those who enjoy fishing, there are boat dealers, tackle shops, fish camps and boat ramps. The town is well-known for golfing, with courses located beside Lake Marion or situated in the rolling hills around the area. For visitors or residents who are not so outdoors inclined, there are plenty of great shopping opportunities. The town is home to several residential developments on the lake and around golf courses, as well as a retirement community in the heart of Santee. The Santee Fun Festival in September includes many family activities. Santee offers an active lifestyle for those who choose to call this area home.
