This image is the cover for the book Hampton County, Images of America

Hampton County, Images of America

Hampton County was carved from Beaufort County during the turmoil of Reconstruction and named for Gov. Wade Hampton, who personally laid the cornerstone for the county courthouse in 1878. The county's rich soil, abundant rivers, and lush pine forests make it a paradise for farmers and sportsmen. Locally manufactured products from Plywoods-Plastics Corporation were used on World War II battlefields, in Navy atomic submarines, and even in NASA space missions. The Hampton County Watermelon Festival, which has been held annually since 1939, is the state's oldest continuing festival, and it boasts the longest parade: 2.4 miles that encompasses two towns. The vintage photographic collection of Hampton County captivates readers with the history, hard work, natural beauty, and Southern charm of this Lowcountry community.

Michael DeWitt Jr.

Author Michael M. DeWitt Jr., an award-winning journalist, humorist, and columnist, is currently the editor of the 135-year-old Hampton County Guardian. He is the humor columnist and a contributing writer for South Carolina Wildlife magazine and has volunteered as a co-playwright for four seasons of Salkehatchie Stew, a five-county historical folk play project. With photographs from local historians, museums, and private collections, DeWitt shares the history of his colorful native county with a journalist's eye for detail and a storyteller's sense of humor.

Arcadia Publishing