Camden, South Carolina
Encyclopedia
Camden is the fourth oldest city in the U.S. state
of South Carolina
and is also the county seat
of Kershaw County, South Carolina
, United States
. The population was an estimated 7,103 in 2009. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina
, Metropolitan Statistical Area
.
, Camden has a total area of 9.8 square miles (25.4 km²), of which, 9.6 square miles (24.9 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (1.23%) is water.
. Kershaw County’s official web site states, “Originally laid out in 1732 as the town of Fredericksburg in the Wateree River
swamp
(south of the present town) when King George III ordered eleven inland townships established along South Carolina's rivers, few of the area settlers chose to take lots surveyed in the town, choosing the higher ground to the north. The township soon disappeared.” In 1758, Joseph Kershaw, from Yorkshire
, England came into the township, established a store and renamed the town Pine Tree Hill. Camden became the inland trade center in the colony. Kershaw suggested that the town be renamed Camden, in honor of Lord Camden
, the champion of colonial rights.
May 1780 brought the American Revolution
to Charleston, South Carolina
, and Charleston fell. Lord Charles Cornwallis and 2,500 of his troops marched to Camden and established there the main British supply post for the Southern campaign. The Battle of Camden
, the worst American defeat of the Revolution, was fought on August 16, 1780 in Camden, and the Battle of Hobkirk Hill
was fought between around 1,400 American troops led by General Nathanael Greene
and 950 British soldiers led by Lord Francis Rawdon on April 25, 1781. The latter battle was a costly win for the British, and forced them to leave Camden.
Camden, although not involved directly with the Civil War, did send a few generals. Hero of the American Civil War
Richard Rowland Kirkland
- 'The Angel of Marye's Heights' - is interred in the Old Quaker Cemetery
. Camden moved on from the war, and in 1885 it became a place where rich Northern families would spend the winter. The town became associated with many equestrian activities, and is now the home of the third oldest active polo
field in America. In the winter, more than 1,500 thoroughbreds call the field home. According to Kershaw County’s web site, “Horse related activities became very popular. That interest in equine activities has continued and today the horse industry is a major part of the county economy. For that reason, the county is known as the ‘Steeplechase Capital of the World’.”
of 2000, there were 6,682 people residing in the city limits, in 2,874 households and 1,813 families. The population density
was 692.2 people per square mile (267.4/km²). There were 3,283 housing units at an average density of 340.1 per square mile (131.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 60.72% White, 37.19% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.63% from other races
, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.32% of the population.
There were 2,874 households out of which 24.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.6% were married couples
living together, 16.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.88.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.8% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 23.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 82.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $36,209, and the median income for a family was $53,056. Males had a median income of $37,342 versus $26,693 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $23,037. About 13.1% of families and 16.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.3% of those under age 18 and 13.7% of those age 65 or over.
Among major steeplechase horse races, it is unique in that South Carolina state law prohibits gambling on horse racing.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
and is also the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Kershaw County, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was an estimated 7,103 in 2009. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan...
, Metropolitan Statistical Area
Columbia, South Carolina metropolitan area
As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes only, the Columbia Metropolitan Statistical Area, is an area consisting of six counties in central South Carolina, anchored by the city of Columbia. As of the 2000 census, the MSA had...
.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, Camden has a total area of 9.8 square miles (25.4 km²), of which, 9.6 square miles (24.9 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (1.23%) is water.
History
Camden is the oldest inland city and fourth oldest city in South Carolina. In 1730, Camden became part of a township plan ordered by King George IIGeorge II of Great Britain
George II was King of Great Britain and Ireland, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg and Archtreasurer and Prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire from 11 June 1727 until his death.George was the last British monarch born outside Great Britain. He was born and brought up in Northern Germany...
. Kershaw County’s official web site states, “Originally laid out in 1732 as the town of Fredericksburg in the Wateree River
Wateree River
The Wateree River, about 75 mi long, is a tributary of the Santee River in central South Carolina in the United States, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean...
swamp
Swamp
A swamp is a wetland with some flooding of large areas of land by shallow bodies of water. A swamp generally has a large number of hammocks, or dry-land protrusions, covered by aquatic vegetation, or vegetation that tolerates periodical inundation. The two main types of swamp are "true" or swamp...
(south of the present town) when King George III ordered eleven inland townships established along South Carolina's rivers, few of the area settlers chose to take lots surveyed in the town, choosing the higher ground to the north. The township soon disappeared.” In 1758, Joseph Kershaw, from Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
, England came into the township, established a store and renamed the town Pine Tree Hill. Camden became the inland trade center in the colony. Kershaw suggested that the town be renamed Camden, in honor of Lord Camden
Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden
Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden was an English lawyer, judge and Whig politician who was first to hold the title of Earl of Camden...
, the champion of colonial rights.
May 1780 brought the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
to Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the...
, and Charleston fell. Lord Charles Cornwallis and 2,500 of his troops marched to Camden and established there the main British supply post for the Southern campaign. The Battle of Camden
Battle of Camden
The Battle of Camden was a major victory for the British in the Southern theater of the American Revolutionary War...
, the worst American defeat of the Revolution, was fought on August 16, 1780 in Camden, and the Battle of Hobkirk Hill
Battle of Hobkirk's Hill
The Battle of Hobkirk's Hill was a battle of the American Revolutionary War fought on April 25, 1781, near Camden, South Carolina...
was fought between around 1,400 American troops led by General Nathanael Greene
Nathanael Greene
Nathanael Greene was a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. When the war began, Greene was a militia private, the lowest rank possible; he emerged from the war with a reputation as George Washington's most gifted and dependable officer. Many places in the United...
and 950 British soldiers led by Lord Francis Rawdon on April 25, 1781. The latter battle was a costly win for the British, and forced them to leave Camden.
Camden, although not involved directly with the Civil War, did send a few generals. Hero of the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
Richard Rowland Kirkland
Richard Rowland Kirkland
Richard Rowland Kirkland, known as "The Angel of Marye's Heights", was a Confederate Army soldier during the American Civil War, noted for his bravery and humanitarian actions during the Battle of Fredericksburg....
- 'The Angel of Marye's Heights' - is interred in the Old Quaker Cemetery
Old Quaker Cemetery
Old Quaker Cemetery is a cemetery located in Camden, South Carolina, in Kershaw County. It dates back to the earliest days of Camden, which was first settled in 1730, and is the oldest inland city in South Carolina...
. Camden moved on from the war, and in 1885 it became a place where rich Northern families would spend the winter. The town became associated with many equestrian activities, and is now the home of the third oldest active polo
Polo
Polo is a team sport played on horseback in which the objective is to score goals against an opposing team. Sometimes called, "The Sport of Kings", it was highly popularized by the British. Players score by driving a small white plastic or wooden ball into the opposing team's goal using a...
field in America. In the winter, more than 1,500 thoroughbreds call the field home. According to Kershaw County’s web site, “Horse related activities became very popular. That interest in equine activities has continued and today the horse industry is a major part of the county economy. For that reason, the county is known as the ‘Steeplechase Capital of the World’.”
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 6,682 people residing in the city limits, in 2,874 households and 1,813 families. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 692.2 people per square mile (267.4/km²). There were 3,283 housing units at an average density of 340.1 per square mile (131.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 60.72% White, 37.19% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.63% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.32% of the population.
There were 2,874 households out of which 24.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.6% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 16.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.88.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.8% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 23.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 82.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.6 males.
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $23,037. About 13.1% of families and 16.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.3% of those under age 18 and 13.7% of those age 65 or over.
The Carolina Cup
The Carolina Cup is an annual event held on either the final Saturday in March or the first Saturday of April. The first race was held March 22, 1930 and has been held every year since, with the exception of 1943 and 1945, during World War II. The races have become a South Carolina tradition, and normally draws a crowd of over 70,000 spectators. The "Cup" has become a premier social sporting event. Springdale Race Course is also home to the Marion du Pont Scott Colonial Cup held on the third Sunday in November annually.Among major steeplechase horse races, it is unique in that South Carolina state law prohibits gambling on horse racing.
Education
- Camden High SchoolCamden High School (Camden, South Carolina)Camden High School, is located in Camden, South Carolina and is one of three high schools in the Kershaw County School District. It is the second largest high school, with around 1,036 students and is home of the Camden High School Bulldogs. Camden High School is located in the heart of the city of...
- Applied Technology Education Campus (ATEC)
- Camden Middle SchoolCamden Middle SchoolCamden Middle School is a public middle school serving the sixth through eighth grades in Camden, South Carolina. It is operated by the Kershaw County School District. It is located at the intersection of McRae Road and Hasty Road in Camden, South Carolina....
- Camden Elementary School of the Creative Arts
- Pine Tree Hill Elementary School
- Jackson Elementary School
- Camden Military AcademyCamden Military AcademyCamden Military Academy is a private military boarding school located in Camden, South Carolina. Camden Military Academy accepts male students in grades 7 through post-grad.-History:...
- The Buckley School of Public Speaking
Transportation
- Seaboard Air Line Railway Depot
- Woodward FieldWoodward Field (airport)Woodward Field is a county-owned public-use airport located three nautical miles northeast of the central business district of Camden, a city in Kershaw County, South Carolina, United States. It is also known as the Kershaw County Airport...
, also known as Kershaw County Airport
Notable natives
- Kathleen ParkerKathleen ParkerKathleen Parker is an American syndicated columnist. Her columns are syndicated nationally by The Washington Post. Parker is a consulting faculty member at the Buckley School of Public Speaking, and is a regular guest on television shows like The O'Reilly Factor and The Chris Matthews Show....
, current resident, winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for CommentaryPulitzer Prize for CommentaryThe Pulitzer Prize for Commentary has been awarded since 1970. The Pulitzer Committee issues an official citation explaining the reasons for the award.-List of winners and their official citations:... - Samuel E. WrightSamuel E. WrightSamuel E. Wright is an American film and theater actor and singer who is best known as the voice of Sebastian in Disney's The Little Mermaid, for which he provided the main vocals to "Under the Sea", which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. He also voiced Kron in Disney's CGI film...
, American actor and BroadwayBroadway theatreBroadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
performer - Larry DobyLarry DobyLawrence Eugene "Larry" Doby was an American professional baseball player in the Negro leagues and Major League Baseball....
- first African AmericanAfrican AmericanAfrican Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
to play in the American LeagueAmerican LeagueThe American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major... - Bobby EngramBobby EngramSimon J. "Bobby" Engram III is currently the offensive assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
- NFLNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
player - Vonnie HollidayVonnie HollidayDimetry Giovonni "Vonnie" Holliday is an American football defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 19th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft...
- NFL player - Charles BennettCharles BennettCharles Bennett may refer to:* Charles Bennet, 4th Earl of Tankerville, cricket pioneer, * Charles Bennett , British track and field athlete, most notable for 1500m events* Charles Bennett...
- NFL player - Richie WilliamsRichie Williams (Canadian football)-College career:Williams became Appalachian State's starting quarterback during his junior year in 2004 in which the Mountaineers finished with a disappointing 6–5 overall record. However, on October 9, 2004, against Furman University, Williams completed 40 of 45 passes thrown for an all divisions...
- CFLCanadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
player - Bernard BaruchBernard BaruchBernard Mannes Baruch was an American financier, stock-market speculator, statesman, and political consultant. After his success in business, he devoted his time toward advising U.S. Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt on economic matters and became a philanthropist.-Early life...
- American financier and American presidential adviser - Vincent Sheheen - state SenatorSouth Carolina SenateThe South Carolina Senate is the upper house of the South Carolina General Assembly, the lower house being the South Carolina House of Representatives...
and 2010 Democratic nominee for GovernorSouth Carolina gubernatorial election, 2010The 2010 South Carolina gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 2010. Incumbent Republican Governor Mark Sanford was term limited and unable to seek re-election. Primary elections took place on June 8, 2010 and a runoff election, as was necessary on the Republican side, was held two weeks... - Michael KohnMichael KohnMichael Thomas Kohn is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Kohn made his major league debut on July 26, 2010 against the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.-External links:...
, Major League Baseball player, pitcher for Los Angeles Angels - John C. Boykin III - American Icon, Football Hero
Further reading
- Stokes, Karen D., ed. “Sherman’s Army Comes to Camden: The Civil War Narrative of Sarah Dehon Trapier,” South Carolina Historical Magazine, 109 (April 2008), 95–120.