What Orangeburg is known for

The Orangeburg Destination is situated on the border between South Carolina and Georgia in the southeastern United States. A number of cities can be found within the bounds of the destination, including Augusta and Waynesboro in Georgia as well as Aiken, Barnwell, and Orangeburg in South Carolina, with the latter city serving as the destination's namesake. In addition to being the principal city of Orangeburg County, the city is also the county seat. Orangeburg is often referred to as “The Garden City” presumably due to the relatively high quantity of natural environments, as well as a fairly popular attraction called the Edisto Memorial Gardens that is established in the city.[1]

It was recorded in 2022, that an estimated population of 13,096 people resides in Orangeburg. This total population ranks Orangeburg as the 49th largest city in South Carolina. Since the most recent census in 2020, which reported approximately 13,240 residents, the population has decreased by -1.09%. Currently, the population is declining at a -0.55% rate. Concerning the racial demographic of the city, the majority of residents are black or African American at 72.68%, with the second most common race being white at 24.68%. Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders (0.77%), those of an “other race” (0.24%), and Asian individuals (0.17%) account for the remaining percentage of the racial composition.[2]

As previously mentioned, the Edisto Memorial Gardens piques the interest of a considerable number of tourists annually. The gardens are located along the Edisto River that courses through Orangeburg’s western portion. During the spring—generally from March to April—cherry trees, azaleas, dogwoods, and other flora reach their “average peak” of blooming; however, the gardens primarily showcase the city’s roses. Nearly 4,800 roses of at least 120 labeled varieties are displayed throughout the Edisto Memorial Gardens. Every May (the weekend prior to Mother’s Day), the Orangeburg Festival of Roses is held in the city to celebrate the blooming of the city’s roses. According to the city’s official website, this festival is “one of the Southeastern Tourism Society’s top twenty events.”[3]

The most prominent city that can be found within the Orangeburg Destination is Augusta, Georgia, the third-largest city in the state after Atlanta and Columbus. Augusta is a hub for medicine, biotechnology, and cyber security, all of which substantially aid the economy. Over 25,000 people are employed in the Medical District of Augusta together with the University Hospital, totaling an economic impact of over $1.8 billion. In terms of tourism, Augusta receives over 200,000 visitors from various parts of the world who come each spring particularly to attend a golf tournament called The Masters.[5]

Geography

The South Fork Edisto and Edisto rivers act as the southwestern boundary of Orangeburg County. Additionally, flowing through the southwestern portion of the county is the North Fork Edisto River in the northeastern corner of the Orangeburg Destination. Agricultural regions comprise much of the county, especially in the coastal plain near Marion Lake outside the destination’s boundaries.[6] It was noted in 2017 that about 978 farms can be found in Orangeburg County, the majority of which cover a land area that varies between 10 and 179 acres of land. Most crops that are produced involve grains, oilseeds, dry beans, and dry peas, as well as cotton and cottonseed.[7]

People who have previously visited Orangeburg have described the city’s summer weather conditions to be “hot” and “muggy,” while the winter has been said to be “short” and “cold.” Warm-weather activities are typically pursued from mid-April to early June and from early September to late October when temperatures are fairly moderate. A daily high temperature of over 84 degrees is an average occurrence during the hot season, which generally lasts from May to September. July tends to receive the highest temperatures in comparison to the other months, with an average high of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The months between November and February are categorized as the city’s cool season as daily temperatures drop to below 64 degrees Fahrenheit on average. Characteristic of temperatures that range between 37 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit, January is most commonly the coldest month of the year in Orangeburg.[4]

The chances of Orangeburg receiving some type of precipitation are most likely from May to September, with the wettest month being July. An average of 14.1 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation take place during July. Rain is classified as the most common form of precipitation that Orangeburg receives; however, between September and May, the number of wet days reduces, and the driest month of the year in the city, November, has roughly 5.9 wet days. All things considered, the chances of the city experiencing wet days vary significantly throughout the year.[4]

History

Orangeburg County experienced rapid growth following the invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney. The upland areas began producing a considerable amount of cotton, and large cotton plantations started to develop. This in turn led to agricultural labor that was, at the time, primarily provided by enslaved African Americans that were brought to the area in forced migration from the coastal areas or the Upper South. Slaves began to constitute the vast majority of the county’s and city’s population. After the Civil War, the slaves were freed and they began to work toward gaining an education, which ultimately caused the construction and establishment of two colleges in Orangeburg. The Orangeburg Regional Medical Center was additionally opened in the year 1919.[1]

In the postwar period of World War II, black individuals increased efforts to regain civil rights, and Orangeburg became a major center for the Civil Rights Movement that involved residents of the city and students from Claflin College and South Carolina State College. The Orangeburg Freedom Movement in 1963 entailed the submission of 10 pro-integration demands to the mayor of Orangeburg and the city council. After congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, local efforts to end segregation in public places continued. A segregated bowling alley, known as All Star Bowling Lane, broke out into violence after several days of protests. This unfortunate event became known as the “Orangeburg Massacre.” Years later, in an effort to develop the community, the city created the Orangeburg County Community of Character initiative in 2000.[1] The All Star Bowling Lane played a significant role during the African American Civil Rights Movement. In 1966, the site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Presently preserved by the Center For Creative Partnerships (CCP), the organization tries to sustain the bowling alley’s historical significance.[8]

It wasn’t until 1883 that Orangeburg was officially incorporated; though, the city was founded by George Sterling, an Indian trader, in 1704. Orangeburg was named as such in honor of William IV, Prince of Orange who was the husband of Princess Anne, the daughter of George II of England.[3]