Colleton County, South Carolina

Colleton_County_Courthouse_-_Walterboro,_SC

Colleton County
U.S. county
County of Colleton
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Coordinates:
Country	United States
Seat	Walterboro
Area
• Total	1,133 sq mi (2,930 km2)
• Land	1,056 sq mi (2,740 km2)
• Water	77 sq mi (200 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	38,092
• Density	34/sq mi (13/km2)
Website	[[1] www.colletoncounty.org/%20Colleton%20County]]

[[Category:{{{state}}} counties]]

Colleton County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 38,092. The county seat and largest city is Walterboro. The county was founded in 1800 and named after Sir John Colleton, one of the original Lords Proprietor of the Province of Carolina.

History

Colleton County was established in 1800 from parts of the Charleston District. It was named after Sir John Colleton, a member of the Lords Proprietor who were granted the land by King Charles II. The county has a rich history, including its role in the American Civil War and its agricultural heritage.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,133 square miles (2,930 km²), of which 1,056 square miles (2,740 km²) is land and 77 square miles (200 km²) (6.8%) is water. The county is part of the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.

Adjacent counties

• Dorchester County - north
• Charleston County - east
• Beaufort County - south
• Hampton County - west
• Bamberg County - northwest

National protected areas

• ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
• Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 38,092 people, 15,329 households, and 10,000 families residing in the county. The population density was 36 people per square mile (14/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 57.2% White, 37.4% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.5% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5% of the population.

Government and politics

Colleton County is governed by a council-administrator system. The county council consists of seven members elected from single-member districts. The council appoints an administrator to oversee the day-to-day operations of the county.

Economy

The economy of Colleton County is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism being significant contributors. The county is known for its production of crops such as soybeans, corn, and cotton. The ACE Basin is a major attraction for eco-tourism, offering activities such as bird watching, fishing, and kayaking.

Education

Colleton County is served by the Colleton County School District, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The county is also home to the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, which offers higher education opportunities.

Transportation

Major highways in Colleton County include:

• Interstate 95
• U.S. Route 17
• U.S. Route 21
• U.S. Route 15
• South Carolina Highway 64

Communities

City

• Walterboro (county seat)

Towns

• Cottageville
• Edisto Beach
• Lodge
• Smoaks
• Williams

Unincorporated communities

• Jacksonboro
• Green Pond
• Round O
• Ritter

Notable people

• Robert Barnwell Rhett, a prominent politician and advocate for secession.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Colleton County, South Carolina
• List of counties in South Carolina

External links

• Colleton County official website