Orangeburg County Travel Guide

South Carolina

DEG7A9 Bald cypress forest in autumn at the Cuddo Unit of the Santee Refuge, SC.
DEG7A9 Bald cypress forest in autumn at the Cuddo Unit of the Santee Refuge, SC.
Claflin University, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was founded in 1869 by Alonzo Webster (1818-1887), a Vermont minister. Webster came to South Carolina to teach at the Baker Bible Institute in Charleston training African American ministers for the Methodist Episcopal Church (today the United Methodist Church). In 1869 he received a charter from the state of South Carolina to establish a college that would prepare freed slaves for the responsibilities of citizenship. The first charter banned discrimination among the faculty, staff and students, making the Academy the first South Carolina university open to all regardless of race. Nonetheless, all of the students at the Academy were African American.
The Branchville Railroad Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The front of the structure now houses a museum/shrine of railroad memorabilia, including a caboose. It is open by appointment and children are welcome. Informal tours are led by John Norris, a retired railroad company executive. Admission is free but donations toward the upkeep of the museum are appreciated. Call (803) 707-1788 for information. The rear of the structure houses the Eatery at the Depot, which serves dinners on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Reservations are recommended but not required. Call (803) 274-8001 or (803) 515-

Popular cities in Orangeburg County

Cypress Trees with Spanish Moss growing on them. In Lake Marion at Santee State Park, Santee, Orangeburg County, South Carolina
Orangeburg
Known for Dining, Universities and Sports
Orangeburg is calling! Discover its gardens, university life, cafes and more.

Reasons to visit

  • Claflin University
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Santee River Dam on Lake Marion, South Carolina, Aerial drone view of electric power lines
Santee
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Golf
Love dining, golf and fishing? Get away to Santee!
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Eutawville, South Carolina sunset near Lake Marion with empty hammock on pine trees overlooking water landscape view at Fountain lake in spring evening with nobody
Eutawville
Venture to sights like Lake Marion and Ferguson Island as you discover Eutawville.
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Holly Hill
Holly Hill
Check out Santee Cooper Country Club and Santee National Golf Club—just a couple of the sights around Holly Hill.
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Elloree
Elloree
Head to sights like Lake Marion and Orangeburg County Library Mentor Branch as you discover Elloree.
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Aerial of Lake Marion Dam and Santee river in South Carolina providing drinking water, hydro power and recreational activities
Vance
Check out the local area in Vance as you venture to sights like Lake Marion.
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