Claflin University was founded by Methodist missionaries in 1869 and is the oldest of the historically black colleges in South Carolina.

Like most early buildings constructed on the campus, Tingley Memorial Hall was designed by African-American architect William Wilson Cooke of Greenville. Wilson entered Claflin University in 1888, where he studied under Charles Bates, the first registered African-American architect in the country. The building is named for Samuel Herbert Tingley, a banker and philanthropist from Rhode Island who made several generous donations to the university.

Many thanks to Ginger Parker of Orangeburg for sharing this photo.

Just a couple of years later, the town of Cope had two churches, many shops, a grist mill, and a cotton gin. This rapid development is proof of just how important railroads were to early growth in our state.

SCIWAY thanks to Pamela Maxwell of Rock Hill for submitting this picture she took February 2011.

It is listed in the National Historic Register and its historical roadside marker was added in 1996.

Many thanks to Michael Stroud of Bluffton for providing this picture and historical information.

The garden now encompasses 175 acres and showcases azaleas, camellias, roses, and centuries-old cypress trees. Special features include a butterfly garden, a sensory garden, and a wetlands park. The Veterans Memorial Park, dedicated on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2009, is the most recent addition to this ever-evolving urban garden.

Special thanks to Thomas Connor of Eutawville for sharing this picture taken in May, 2010.

Luckily, the jail was only partially destroyed by the fire, and was rebuilt in 1867. In 1921 it was remodeled, and was still used as the official county jail until 1980.

SCIWAY thanks Jerry Bridgers, who submitted this painting in 2010. Jerry writes: “The building is impressive and this painting depicts the stormy period of history where a jail would be a focal point of the emotions.”

In 2005, Orangeburg County was awarded the coveted All-America City Award for their civic excellence and downtown revitalization efforts.

Photographer John Kneece describes the redeveloped town square: “Recently with the help of local citizen’s groups and the federal government, the town square and main street, known as Russell Street, were refurbished. Aside from the brick street, heavy cast iron lamp posts, and granite curbing, much landscaping and decorating has taken place. In the same spirit, many of the downtown merchants have improved their facade as well.”

The gardens are located just outside downtown Orangeburg on the Edisto River. Learn more about the history of Edisto Memorial Gardens.