Historyof
Sumter S
umter County is as rich in history as it is in tradition and character, the latter of which is rooted in its very name. Gen. Thomas Sumter, one of the legendary patriarchs of the Revolutionary War, was known for his ferocity and ingenuity while leading his campaigns, garnering the nickname “The Fighting Gamecock.” This city carries his name with pride, both in his character and accomplishments. Prior to the American Revolution, the English settled the Sumter area during the 1740s along the Wateree River. Two local churches, High Hills Baptist Church and Church of the Holy Cross, were established in the 1770s and remain landmarks to this day. Famous botanist Joel Roberts Poinsett, for which the poinsettia plant is named, was buried at Church of the Holy Salem Black River Cross. Presbyterian Church (1759) Gen. Sumter led numerous companies on successful campaigns in the Carolinas, fighting many battles crucial to the American cause. He even defeated the greatly feared and despised Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton, a fierce leader of the British dragoons, at Blackstock’s Ford in 1780. Sumter was wounded in several places during that battle and retired to Stateburg, an area now located
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Guide to Sumter 2021
