According to Liuxers, Edgefield County, South Carolina is a county located in the western part of the state, just north of Augusta, Georgia. With an estimated population of 25,904 in 2019, it is the fourth least populous county in South Carolina. The county seat and largest city is Edgefield.
Edgefield County covers an area of 565 square miles and is composed mostly of rural land with some small towns and cities scattered throughout. It’s bordered by Aiken County to the north, Saluda County to the east, McCormick County to the south, and Georgia’s Richmond County to the west. The Savannah River forms its western border with Augusta and other parts of Georgia.
The county was established in 1785 as part of Ninety-Six District and was named after Edgefield Manor in England. It has a long history as a major agricultural center for cotton production as well as peach cultivation which continues today. The economy has diversified since then with manufacturing becoming increasingly important over time.
The county has several historical sites including Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site which was home to John Laurens during Revolutionary War times; Wardlaw-Smith-Goza House Museum which showcases 19th century life; and Stoneyard Plantation Ruins which are remnants from 18th century tobacco plantations on Horse Creek.
Edgefield County also offers recreational activities such as hiking trails at Big Stevens Creek Park or fishing spots along Lake Thurmond or Clarks Hill Lake on Savannah River; golf courses such as Pine Ridge Country Club or Whiskey Creek Golf Course; camping opportunities at Modoc Campground or Richard B Russell State Park; horseback riding at Triple Creek Ranch; plus hunting preserves like J & L Game Preserve or Big Buck Outfitters for deer hunting enthusiasts.
In addition, there are several local festivals held throughout the year such as Edgefield Town Festival each spring featuring live music, food vendors, arts & crafts marketplaces and more. There is also an annual Peach Festival held each summer celebrating its agricultural heritage with peach-themed events like live music performances, cooking contests and more.
Edgefield County offers a wide range of attractions for visitors from historical sites to outdoor activities plus numerous festivals throughout the year making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore all that South Carolina has to offer.
History of Edgefield County, South Carolina
Edgefield County, South Carolina has a long and varied history that dates back to the 18th century. The county was established in 1785 as part of Ninety-Six District and was named after Edgefield Manor in England. It was originally part of a larger district that included what is today known as Aiken County, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia. The county borders Aiken County to the north, Saluda County to the east, McCormick County to the south, and Georgia’s Richmond County to the west. The Savannah River forms its western border with Augusta and other parts of Georgia.
The early settlers found an area rich in natural resources with fertile soil for farming and plenty of wildlife for hunting. By the early 1800s Edgefield had become an important agricultural center for cotton production as well as peach cultivation which continues today. In addition to agriculture, Edgefield was home to numerous industries such as textile mills, sawmills, blacksmith shops and furniture factories. This period also saw significant growth in population due to immigration from Europe which brought new ideas and skills that helped shape the culture of Edgefield County.
The Civil War had a major impact on Edgefield’s economy with many farms destroyed by Union troops during Sherman’s march through South Carolina in 1865. Reconstruction efforts began soon after but it wasn’t until the turn of the 20th century that Edgefield began to see real economic progress with manufacturing becoming increasingly important over time.
Today, Edgefield is still largely rural but has experienced some growth in recent years due to its proximity to larger cities like Augusta and Columbia which have seen an influx of new residents looking for affordable housing options close by. The county has several historical sites including Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site which was home to John Laurens during Revolutionary War times; Wardlaw-Smith-Goza House Museum which showcases 19th century life; and Stoneyard Plantation Ruins which are remnants from 18th century tobacco plantations on Horse Creek. In addition there are numerous recreational activities such as hiking trails at Big Stevens Creek Park or fishing spots along Lake Thurmond or Clarks Hill Lake on Savannah River; golf courses such as Pine Ridge Country Club or Whiskey Creek Golf Course; camping opportunities at Modoc Campground or Richard B Russell State Park; horseback riding at Triple Creek Ranch; plus hunting preserves like J & L Game Preserve or Big Buck Outfitters for deer hunting enthusiasts.
Edgefield County also offers a variety of festivals throughout the year such as Edgefield Town Festival each spring featuring live music, food vendors, arts & crafts marketplaces and more. There is also an annual Peach Festival held each summer celebrating its agricultural heritage with peach-themed events like live music performances, cooking contests and more.
Edgefield County offers a wide range of attractions for visitors from historical sites to outdoor activities plus numerous festivals throughout the year making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore all that South Carolina has to offer.
Major cities and towns in Edgefield County, South Carolina
Edgefield County is home to a number of small cities and towns that offer a variety of amenities for residents and visitors alike. The largest city in Edgefield County is Edgefield, the county seat and the largest town in the county with a population of about 5,000 people. Edgefield has an extensive historic district with many old homes, churches, and other buildings dating back to the early 1800s. The city also has several parks and recreational facilities as well as several shopping centers. Other major cities include Johnston, which is home to Piedmont Technical College, and Trenton which is known for its historic Main Street. There are also several smaller towns such as Modoc, Plum Branch, Parksville, and Meeting Street that offer unique attractions for visitors. Each town has its own charm with many locally owned restaurants and shops as well as plenty of outdoor activities like fishing or camping in nearby state parks. For those looking for some nightlife there are a few bars and pubs scattered throughout Edgefield County along with some great live music venues. Whether you’re looking for history or recreation, Edgefield County has something to offer everyone.
Airports in Edgefield County, South Carolina
Edgefield County, South Carolina is served by two airports. See South Carolina airports. The closest is the Aiken Municipal Airport (AIK), located just south of the county in Aiken, SC. AIK is a public-use airport and provides general aviation services to the surrounding area. It has a single runway with a length of 4,000 feet and offers services such as air taxi, aircraft rental, flight instruction, and fuel sales. Other facilities at the airport include a restaurant and gift shop as well as some aircraft maintenance services.
The other airport in Edgefield County is Augusta Regional Airport (AGS), located in Augusta, Georgia which serves the entire region including Edgefield County. AGS is a public-use airport that provides commercial airline service to several major cities including Atlanta and Charlotte. It also offers general aviation services such as air taxi and aircraft rental along with flight instruction and fuel sales. Other amenities at AGS include car rental companies, restaurants, shopping centers, hotels/motels, and other transportation options including buses and shuttles.
Whether you’re looking for commercial air service or general aviation services Edgefield County has an airport that can meet your needs. With both Aiken Municipal Airport (AIK) and Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) close by you’ll have access to all the necessary amenities for your next trip.