Walterboro, South Carolina

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Walterboro is a city in Colleton County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 5,153 at the 2000 census (10,064 total pop. of Walterboro Urban Cluster). It is the county seat of Colleton County^GR6.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 History
4 Schools
5 The Rice Festival
6 The Great Swamp Sanctuary
7 Slave Relic Museum
8 The South Carolina Artisan Center
9 Other Attractions
10 External links

[edit] Geography

Walterboro is located at 32°54′15″N, 80°39′58″W (32.904289, -80.666238)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.8 km² (5.0 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 5,153 people (5,516 in 2004 estimate), 2,084 households, and 1,379 families residing in the city. The population density was 401.1/km² (1,038.0/mi²). There were 2,362 housing units at an average density of 183.9/km² (475.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 50.13% White, 48.30% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 0.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.46% of the population.

There were 2,084 households out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.0% were married couples living together, 23.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.8% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city the population was spread out with 24.9% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 79.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,200, and the median income for a family was $36,549. Males had a median income of $28,488 versus $19,351 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,150. About 18.6% of families and 22.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.1% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] History

In the summer of 1784, the owners of rice plantations in Colleton County found a place for their summer homes and named it Hickory Valley. As this location grew the people named it Walterboro after the two brothers who originally settled there, Paul and Jacob Walters. In 1817, Walterboro became the county seat of Colleton County. (“About Walterboro”)

[edit] Schools

Walterboro has many schools in its perimeter. There are four elementary schools in Walterboro: Black Street Elementary, Hendersonville Elementary, Forest Hills Elementary, and Northside Elementary. Only two middle schools can be found here: Forest Circle Middle and Colleton Middle. There is one high school in Walterboro and also in the whole county. It is Colleton County High School. There is one private school in Walterboro, Colleton Preparatory Academy. There is one university in Walterboro, The University of South Carolina Salkahatchie. This is a branch of the University of South Carolina.

[edit] The Rice Festival

The Rice Festival takes place to celebrate the county’s history with the rice crop. The rice crop was the staple crop until the Civil War. After that it still impacted the county. The festival is held at the end of April each year. The 2007 festival will be the 32nd year it has taken place. For each festival there is a parade, pageant, run/walk, and cooking contest. (“Colleton County Rice Festival”)

[edit] The Great Swamp Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is 800 acres of braided-creek hardwood flats bottom land. It consists of a 10,000 sq. ft. Discovery Center, boardwalks, walking trails, bicycle paths, a canoe/kayak trail, observation areas, and a scout ring. When it is completely finished the Sanctuary will be the most significant nature-based facility in the lower part of South Carolina. It is open everyday from dawn until dusk and is free. It is located on Detreville Street in Walterboro. (“Great Swamp Sanctuary”)

[edit] Slave Relic Museum

The museum houses many of the relics slaves made and used during the period that they were enslaved (1750-1800s). The museum is located on Carn Street. The hours of operation are: Monday through Thursday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (“Slave Relic Museum”)

[edit] The South Carolina Artisan Center

The South Carolina Artisan Center is the official Folk Art and Craft Center of the state. “The mission of the South Carolina Artisans Center is to interpret, market, preserve and perpetuate the folk art and fine craftsmanship of South Carolina Artisans while creating a better understanding of our rich and diverse cultural heritage. Come see best South Carolina has to offer in handcrafted work.” The Center is located on Wichman Street. The hours are Monday - Saturday 10am to 5:30pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. (“South Carolina Artisans Center”)

[edit] Other Attractions

• Colleton Museum (North Jeffries Blvd) • Little Library (Wichman/Fishburne Street) • Colleton County Historical & Preservation Society (Church Street) • Old Water Tower (Memorial Ave/Washington Street)