Freshwater Coast Region (Region 2)

 

The politics of Freshwater Coast Region - made up of Abbeville, Greenwood, McCormick, and Edgefield counties - has profoundly influenced the state and nation, beginning with Ninety-Six, the original courthouse village of the backcountry and strategic outpost during the Revolution. The fort and battle site are now the Ninety-Six National Historic Site. Edgefield, home of ten governors, has a rich political heritage from Vice-President John C. Calhoun to Senator Strom Thurmond. Abbeville, Edgefield, and McCormick are all classic courthouse towns, serving rich agricultural lands extending out in all directions. Folk art and cultural traditions are strong within this region, as represented by the Mennonite food and Edgefield pottery.

Along the western edge of this region are lakes Russell and Thurmond - the Freshwater Coast - which provides a setting for state parks and lakeside resorts. Visit the Discovery Center located in Edgefield.