Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce

Towns

The early inhabitants of Orangeburg County were a few Native American Indians and cattlemen. To encourage people to move inland from coastal areas, the South Carolina General Assembly established 11 townships along the Edisto. With the exception of Santee, all present towns were incorporated in the late 1800's. The names of some have changed over the years, but others remain the same.

Orangeburg County

Bowman

Located in the central part of Orangeburg County, Bowman boasts varied recreational opportunities. The Bowman Nature Park features picnic areas, walking trails, volleyball, basketball, tennis courts and meeting facilities to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors. The diversified economy of the area produces agriculture and dairy products, as well as various manufactured goods. In 1927, the state's first certified motor carrier was established in Bowman. The Town of Bowman's phone number is 803-829-2666.

Branchville

A Prussian immigrant founded Branchville in 1734, making it one of the oldest towns in the state. It is celebrated for its ties to the railroad. Branchville today is probably best known for its annual "Raylrode Daze Festivul." (www.raylrodedazefestivul.com) Frontier shoot-outs, country music, arts and crafts and lots of good food are spotlighted in this event which is held the last full weekend in September. Many of Branchville's former residents and family members return each year to enjoy the festivities and renew friendships. The Town of Branchville's phone number is 803-274-8820.

Eutawville

Eutawville, located beside Lake Marion, features a lovely Community Center which is available for event rentals and a lovely town park/playground. Town Hall is open weekdays and may be reached at 803-492-3374.

Elloree

This eastern Orangeburg County town was established in 1886 and became one of the smallest municipalities in the state to achieve Great Town status in 1983 from the Governor's Rural Achievement Awards. Elloree offers charming restaurants and shops for everyone's enjoyment. It has become known around the region for its antique stores that offer a wide variety of furniture, some even as old as the town itself. The Elloree Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in downtown Elloree features a new Farm Wing. Visitors can see exhibits of the area's rural roots. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (803) 897-2225. www.elloreemuseum.org.

The Old Town district features buildings that date back to the 1900's, antique shops, gift boutiques, an art gallery, arts and crafts stores, restaurants and the Elloree Heritage Museum. Call (803) 897-2821 for information.

Holly Hill

Holly Hill was built around a grove of holly trees. The last tree from original grove, estimated to be 98 years old, was removed in 1957. A replacement for this tree was planted as part of the South Carolina Tricentennial Celebration in 1970. The Holly Hill depot is designated as a site on the S.C. National Heritage Corridor. While in Holly Hill, visit our historic Holly Hill Depot which serves as the eastern Orangeburg County office of the Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce and a visitor center. Plan to attend the Holly Hill Christmas Festival which is scheduled the first week in December. www.hollyhillchristmasfestival.com

(City of) Orangeburg

Because the City of Orangeburg is just off of Interstate Highway 26, some 45 miles southeast of Columbia and 55 miles northwest of Charleston, residents enjoy quick access to “big city” conveniences while living in an area of unsurpassed natural beauty. This is a place where it’s easy to get away from it all without ever having to leave home. From our moss-draped oak trees, abundant golf courses, lakes and rivers, extensive forests, to the numerous cultural opportunities, it is easy to take a breather from the hustle of life whenever you choose. Too, it is important to note that Orangeburg is home to more than 100 manufacturers and distributors and has seven industrial parks, so local employment opportunities abound. The city residents enjoy mild winters and warm summers which provide a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63.3°. This mild climate provides the opportunity for year-round recreation. Too, Orangeburg is home to Edisto Memorial Gardens and has a municipal airport. Columbia Metropolitan Airport and Charleston International Airport, as well as the Port of Charleston, are approximately an hour's drive away. For more information, call Orangeburg City Hall at 803-533-6000.

Santee

Situated adjacent to Lake Marion in northeastern Orangeburg County, Santee received its name in the 1930's from an Indian word meaning "the rivers." It is not surprising that Santee is well known for outdoor recreation of all kinds. For those who are less athletically inclined, there are great shops of all kinds to please the most discriminating taste. The area boasts new residential developments on the lake and around golf courses, as well as a retirement community in the heart of the town. Santee completed the construction of a Convention Center in 2009, and will complete an adjacent recreation facility for families soon. The Town of Santee's phone number is 803-854-2152.

Vance

Vance's Ferry, originally settled on the Santee River at Waco Landing. Access to the Santee Cooper Lakes is less than five minutes away. Some of the best peaches in South Carolina are grown in Vance. Be sure to pick some up at roadside stands. For family fun, visit Indian Bluff Park. The Town of Vance' phone number is 803-492-3114.

Berkely County

Cross

Cross is an unincorporated community located in rural northwestern Berkeley County. It is centered at the junctions of South Carolina Highway 6 and South Carolina Highway 45. Great fishing can be had here with numerous fish camps and boat landings to give fishermen access to the Santee Cooper lakes Marion and Moultrie. Hill's Landing is one such popular "fish camp." Too, Lawson's Pond Plantation and Loch Dhu are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Because Cross is an unincorporated community, there is no town hall there. However, in case you need information, there is a post office located at 1836 Ranger Drive, Cross, SC 29436. The phone number for the post office is 843-753-2669.

Moncks Corner/Goose Creek

The Town of Moncks Corner, the county seat of Berkeley County, was named for its landowner, Thomas Monck, back in 1728. The town residents and officials boast of the old-fashioned hospitality, southern charm and history that draws visitors back over and over! The town's historical Train Depot features a visitor’s center with a gift shop that has information on the Town and unique gifts. Or take a trip to Mepkin Abbey, the monastery which is a very important part of the town’s historyThe town has numerous shops and restaurants. It is near another rapidly growing Berkeley County town, Goose Creek, which almost melds into North Charleston. The number for Moncks Corner City Hall is 843-719-7900. The number for Goose Creek City Hall is 843-797-6220.

Dorchester County

Harleyville

The lovely Town of Harleyville is just off of I-26 at Exit 177. As you drive through town, you will find it is truly a clean residential community. Harleyville Town Hall, located at 119 South Railroad Ave., is open weekdays and may be reached at 843-462-7676. Just a half block past town hall is the beautiful Harleyville Community Park, well-known Community Center, and town recreation fields.

Reevesville

Reevesville is located in Dorchester County just a few miles northwest of the Town of St. George on US Highway 78. A lovely small town, Reevesville has a picturesque town park that is open to the public. The town is the center of the Magnolia Festival and parade held the Saturday before Mother's Day each year as that is a homecoming time of sorts because so many former residents return to visit their mothers and/or grandmothers. This wonderful town has begun to gather one Saturday each fall for music, chicken bog, and other festivities – another homecoming of sorts (that does not have a specific date each year). Though the 2010 Census reported that Reevesville has a population of 196, the town has four churches within its town limits, the newest of which is the Cotton Gin Country Church. The town does not have a working website at this time, but the number for Town Hall is 843-563-9122.

Ridgeville

Ridgeville is located in central Dorchester County. Ridgeville was formerly called Timothy Creek for a nearby stream. It was renamed Ridgeville in 1842, because of its situation on a pine ridge. The population of this growing town, the chief employer of which is Showa Denka carbon company, has grown 17.7 percent in twelve years from 1,690 to 1,989 rural residents. The Town Hall is located in the Hazel S. Parson Starkes Municipal & Community Services Building, 105 School Street, P.O. Box 56, Ridgeville, SC 29472. Mayor James Williams invites you to visit a town council meeting, held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in town hall. Too, you may call town hall at 843-871-7960 or email the town clerk at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for additional information about the town.

St. George

St. George is a rest stop for the weary traveler heading North or South on I-95, some visitors relax at the St. George Town Park on Minus Street, just a few blocks southeast of the groups of motels and restaurants at the St. George Exit 77. There is a tennis complex just beside the park and a walking trail in the park, just in case travelers want to get some exercise. And, the lovely Lourie Theater in town may have a theatrical production or a musical show going on while you are in town. Home to the famous "World Grits Festival," held in mid-April each year, the town provides a glimpse into the southern culture with its reverent tribute to this premier food of the South. For more information, you may call town call at 843-563-3032.

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Officers & Board of Directors

Officers

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Towns

Orangeburg County

Bowman

Branchville

Eutawville

Elloree

Holly Hill

(City of) Orangeburg

Santee

Vance

Berkely County

Cross

Moncks Corner/Goose Creek

Dorchester County

Harleyville

Reevesville

Ridgeville

St. George

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