In the year 1685, King Charles II granted one of his loyal supporters,
Sir John Colleton, a portion of land known as the Province of Carolina.
Over the centuries, time and circumstances have greatly altered that
original land grant. Today, one thousand fifty square miles remain,
forming the county which has retained the name of its Lord Proprietor
- Colleton.
Colleton has primarily been a rural county dependent on agriculture
and forest products as major sources of income. During the 18th century,
plantation lands with oak-lined drives yielded golden harvests of Carolina
Gold rice in vast quantities, allowing the county to become one of the
leading producers of rice in America.
During recent years Colleton County has developed and diversified with
manufacturing and light industrial firms playing a vital role in surging
growth and shaping the county's future. Today the traditional time-honored
rural lifestyle and beauty of the land remain, blending in harmony with
the new dimension of progress. The county also continues to develop
its rich heritage and tourism based economy.
The inland terrain of the county is rolling to level, while abundant
marshes follow the lands along the Combahee, Ashepoo, and Edisto Rivers.
Edisto Beach, located along the warm Atlantic, provides a compatible
contrast of terrain and offers recreation, seafood, sun and surf in
a relaxed atmosphere.
Lush forests cover large portions of the county. Predominant among the abundant varieties within the woodlands are sprawling oak, majestic pines, hearty cedar and cypress. Such natural resources aesthetically enhance the county, boost economy and provide the ideal environment for hunting enthusiasts. Animal life in countless numbers abounds throughout the county. Quail, deer, duck, egret, raccoon, rabbit and squirrel are common sites of daily living in the lowcounty.
Although hunting and fishing are the most popular leisure time activities
within the County, tennis, camping, organized sports, swimming, parks,
and the cultural arts are readily available to meet the interests of
all.
The county seat, and most populous area of Colleton, is the City of Walterboro. The city is located on US Highways 15 & 17A and SC Highways 63 & 64. Progressive retail trade communities are conveniently located in the Central Business District, shopping centers, and surrounding business areas.
The special charm and unique individuality of Walterboro is brought
forth in the fine examples of 19th century architectural design seen
in many residences. Two National Register structures are located in
the city. The Colleton County Courthouse, ca. 1855, designed by Robert
Mills, was the setting for the First Nullification Meeting in South
Carolina during 1828. The old Colleton County Jail, ca. 1855, designed
by noted Charleston Architects Jones & Lee constructed by J. &
B. Lucas, is one of few remaining Neo-Gothic designs within the State
of SC.
Radiating out from the City of Walterboro and into the county are the towns and communities of Lodge, Ruffin, Smoaks, Cottageville, Hendersonville, Williams and Edisto - each retaining and developing their own individual flavor as parts of the whole of Colleton County.
The county embraces bountiful resources and hard-working people, united
in a traditional way of life to offer brimming opportunities for commerce,
industry & livability.
Colleton, just as the seed of the oak, has endured the test of time. Prepared for a strong future branching from the roots of the past and present, Colleton has grown and developed to take its place as part of the progressive new South.
The oak tree for centuries linked synonymously with the characteristics of long life and serene beauty, is the natural symbol of Colleton County. For over 300 years the stately oaks have stood silently on the land marking time by their growth as the story of the land and it's people unfolded.
Walterboro-Colleton Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 426 (109-C Benson Street)
Walterboro, SC 29488
Phone: (843) 549-9595
Fax: (843) 549-5775
E-mail: info@walterboro.org
