Cities and Towns in Kershaw County, South Carolina
Founded in 1798, Kershaw County is one of 46 counties in the state of South Carolina. Historically, Kershaw County was formed from Claremont, Fairfield, Lancaster, and Richland. The city of Camden is the county seat. With FIPS code of 55, Kershaw County has a population of 66,130 and area of 740 square miles (1,917 km²).
List of all cities in Kershaw County, SC alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Antioch, SC | 29020 | 803 |
29021 | 803 | |
Bethune, SC | 29009 | 843 |
Camden, SC | 29020 | 803 |
29021 | 803 | |
Cassatt, SC | 29032 | 803 |
De Kalb, SC | 29175 | 803 |
Dusty Bend, SC | 29020 | 803 |
29021 | 803 | |
Elgin, SC | 29045 | 803 |
Kirkland, SC | 29020 | 803 |
29021 | 803 | |
Kirkwood, SC | 29020 | 803 |
29021 | 803 | |
Liberty Hill, SC | 29074 | 803 |
Lugoff, SC | 29078 | 803 |
Pontiac, SC | 29045 | 803 |
Red Hill, SC | 29020 | 803 |
29021 | 803 | |
Shamokin, SC | 29020 | 803 |
29021 | 803 | |
Westville, SC | 29175 | 803 |
Major Cities and Towns in Kershaw County, South Carolina
Camden, South Carolina
Location and History
Camden is the county seat of Kershaw County and is located in the central part of South Carolina, approximately 30 miles north of Columbia. Established in 1732, Camden is one of the oldest cities in South Carolina and is steeped in historical significance. Originally founded as a trading post along the Wateree River, the town grew rapidly as a center for agriculture, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Camden played a key role during the American Revolution, serving as a strategic military post. The Battle of Camden, fought nearby in 1780, was a pivotal moment in the war, and the town honors its Revolutionary War history with several memorials and historical sites. Camden also became a key hub for the cotton industry in the 19th century, benefiting from the expansion of railroads. In the 20th century, the city diversified with new industries and tourism. Today, Camden remains a vibrant community, balancing its historical heritage with modern development, and is known for its cultural events and charming historic district.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Camden is home to several prominent educational institutions, including Camden High School, which serves the city’s public school students, and the Francis Marion University campus in nearby Florence, which offers a variety of higher education programs. Additionally, there are private schools such as the Camden Military Academy, which has a long tradition of providing leadership and military-style education. In terms of landmarks, Camden features the Camden Revolutionary War Site, a major historical attraction where the Battle of Camden took place. Other notable landmarks include the Camden Historic District, filled with antebellum homes and buildings that showcase the city’s rich architectural history, and the Robert Mills Courthouse, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. The city is also home to the South Carolina Equine Park, a prominent equestrian venue, and the Gordon Street Cemetery, where many prominent historical figures are buried.
Key Statistics
- Area: 7.4 square miles
- Population: 7,000 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 29020
- Latitude: 34.2490° N
- Longitude: 80.6180° W
Lugoff, South Carolina
Location and History
Lugoff is an unincorporated community located in the northwestern part of Kershaw County, just a few miles outside Camden. The area was settled in the early 19th century, with the town’s growth primarily fueled by its proximity to major roads and rail lines. Lugoff was named after the “Lugoff Plantation,” a large plantation that was one of the earliest land holdings in the region. The community grew steadily as agricultural activities, particularly cotton farming, dominated the local economy. In the 20th century, the town evolved as a suburban area, drawing residents who worked in Camden or Columbia, with residential developments becoming more prevalent. Today, Lugoff is a quiet residential area known for its rural charm, but it has seen significant growth as people seek out affordable housing options within easy reach of Columbia.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lugoff is served by the Kershaw County School District, with schools such as Lugoff-Elgin High School and Lugoff-Elgin Middle School providing education to local students. The town does not have many traditional historical landmarks but is home to several parks, including the popular Lugoff Park, which offers recreational facilities such as sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails. The nearby Elgin area, often considered part of the larger Lugoff community, features several local businesses and smaller landmarks, including the Elgin Depot, which reflects the area’s railway heritage. Additionally, the larger Camden area is easily accessible, providing residents and visitors with access to Camden’s rich history and cultural landmarks.
Key Statistics
- Area: 6.5 square miles
- Population: 10,000 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 29078
- Latitude: 34.2685° N
- Longitude: 80.6464° W
Elgin, South Carolina
Location and History
Elgin is a small town located to the east of Camden in Kershaw County, South Carolina, and is part of the larger Camden metropolitan area. The town has its origins in the mid-19th century, with early settlers coming to the area due to its favorable location along the railroad. Originally called “Bishopville Junction,” it was renamed Elgin in the early 1900s, possibly after the town of Elgin, Illinois. Elgin developed as a rural community with agriculture as its primary economic driver, particularly cotton farming. Over time, the town became increasingly residential, especially as suburbanization of the area picked up in the late 20th century. While it retains a rural feel, Elgin’s proximity to Camden and Columbia has led to steady growth and development, making it an attractive place for people seeking a quieter, more affordable place to live.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elgin is served by the Kershaw County School District, with schools such as Elgin Elementary School and Lugoff-Elgin High School being key educational institutions for the town. Elgin is known for the Elgin Rail Trail, which connects the town to nearby areas and provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Elgin Depot, which is one of the few remaining train depots in the region, serves as a historic reminder of the town’s early years. The town is also home to several local parks, including the Elgin Community Park, which features sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails. The nearby Lake Wateree, a popular recreational destination, is another significant landmark and provides access to fishing, boating, and outdoor activities.
Key Statistics
- Area: 4.0 square miles
- Population: 2,200 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 29045
- Latitude: 34.2323° N
- Longitude: 80.7025° W
Bethune, South Carolina
Location and History
Bethune is a small town located in the southeastern part of Kershaw County, approximately 20 miles southeast of Camden. It was founded in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1890, originally as an agricultural community. The town was named after Reverend William Bethune, a prominent Presbyterian minister. Bethune’s economy was primarily based on cotton farming and small-scale industry, such as sawmills. Over the years, the town has remained small, with a population that has never exceeded a few thousand. Today, Bethune is a rural town with a close-knit community, and while its economy remains rooted in agriculture, it is slowly becoming a bedroom community for people working in Camden and other nearby cities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bethune is served by the Kershaw County School District, with Bethune Elementary School providing education to younger students. The town is home to several small but significant landmarks, including the Bethune Presbyterian Church, which has been central to the town’s spiritual and social life since its establishment. The town also features a variety of local parks and recreational spaces, such as the Bethune Community Park, where residents gather for events and outdoor activities. One of the town’s most well-known landmarks is the historic Bethune Depot, which highlights the town’s early connections to the railroad.
Key Statistics
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: 500 (2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 29009
- Latitude: 34.5253° N
- Longitude: 80.3975° W