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Sumter, South Carolina

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Sumter, South Carolina
City
Downtown Sumter
Downtown Sumter
Nickname(s): 
Gamecock City, Merk City
Location of Sumter in South Carolina
Location of Sumter in
South Carolina
CountryUnited States
StateSouth Carolina
CountySumter
Incorporated1845
Government
 • MayorJoseph T. McElveen, Jr.
 • City managerDeron McCormick
Area
 • Total26.7 sq mi (53.0 km2)
 • Land26.6 sq mi (50.8 km2)
 • Water0.2 sq mi (4.2 km2)
Elevation
171 ft (52 m)
Population
 (2008)
 • Total59,180
 • Density1,545/sq mi (596.6/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
Area code803
FIPS code45-70405Template:GR
GNIS feature ID1251074Template:GR
WebsiteSumter official website

Sumter (Template:Pron-en) is the largest city in and the county seat of Sumter County, South Carolina, United States.Template:GR Known as the Sumter Metropolitan Statistical Area, The name-sake county adjoins Clarendon and Lee to form the core of Sumter-Lee-Clarendon tri-county area of South Carolina, an area that includes the three counties in east central South Carolina [1] The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population was 59,180 at the 2000 census (190,128 total pop. of Sumter Urbanized Area). In 1740’s settlers arrived to establish roots along the banks of the Wateree River. The "Carolina Backcountry," as it was then known, became a predominantly agricultural area called Craven County, later Claremont County. Today, the city retains its status as a major hub, both for industry and infrastructure. In modern times, the city has taken on additional dimension as a center for business culture and finance, with its rich historic homes, military support ,and progressive educational institutions come together to form a destination for the east central portion of South Carolina.


History

File:Sumter South Carolina.jpg
Downtown Sumter

In the 1740's, the first English-speaking settlers arrived to establish roots along the banks of the Wateree River. The "Carolina Backcountry," as it was then known, became a predominantly agricultural area called Craven County, later Claremont County. Sumter District was established on January 1, 1800.

Incorporated as Sumterville in 1845, the city's name was shortened to Sumter in 1855. It has grown and prospered from its early beginnings as a plantation settlement. The city and county of Sumter bear the name of General Thomas Sumter, the "Fighting Gamecock" of the American Revolutionary War. His place in U.S. history is secure as a patriot and military genius.

During the Civil War the town was an important supply and railroad repair center for the Confederacy. [2]After the war, Sumter grew and prospered, using its large railroad yeard and network to supply its cotton, timber, and by the turn of the century, tobacco.

During the 20th century Sumter grew into a major industrial center, of far greater importance than its size. Once a sleepy, primarily agricultural community, Sumter took a leap into the future with the opening of Shaw Air Force Base (home of the 20th Fighter Wing) in 1941. Industry grew, especially after World War II, when Sumter became increasingly known for textiles, manufacturing, biotech industries, a thriving retail environment and medical center of its region in addition to agricultural products, which makes it the a hub for business in the east central portion of South Carolina. [3]

Geography

Known as the Gamecock City, Sumter lies near the geographic center of the state of South Carolina. Sumter offers a highly diversified industrial structure and is famed for its lovely gardens and charming residential neighborhoods. Part of the well-known Santee-Cooper Lakes region, Sumter is renowned for hunting, fishing, water sports and golf. Located between two great vacation centers, Sumter is 100 miles west of Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand and 175 miles east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Columbia, the state capital, lies approximately 45 miles to the west, and the major port city of Charleston is approximately 100 miles to the south. Sumter is proud to be the home of Shaw Air Force Base, which is an integral part of our community.


Sumter is located at 33°55′37″N 80°21′49″W / 33.92694°N 80.36361°W / 33.92694; -80.36361Invalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (33.926942, -80.363541)Template:GR.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.8 square miles (69.3 km²), of which, 26.6 square miles (68.9 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.4 km²) of it (0.60%) is water.


Climate data for Sumter, South Carolina
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Source: The Weather Channel

Demographics

As of 2007, there were 59,180 people, 34,717 households, and 40,049 families living in the city. The population density was 4,469.5 people per square mile (775.6/km²). There were 46,032 housing units at an average density of 603.0/sq mi (232.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 44.74% Caucasian, 29.88% African American, 1.24% Native American, 14.62% Asian, 1.07% Pacific Islander, 1.12% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.98% of the population.[4]

There were 34,717 households out of which 75% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.0% were married couples living together, 19.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.0% were non-families. 17.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 1.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the city the population was spread out with 37.6% under the age of 18, 12.28% from 18 to 24, 26.04% from 25 to 44, 19.55% from 45 to 64, and 14.12% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.3 years. For every 100 females there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,264, and the median income for a family was $55,328. Males had a median income of $37,078 versus $32,002 for females. The per capita income for the city was $36,949. About 13.0% of families and 26.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.8% of those under age 18 and 15.3% of those age 65 or over.

Crime

The following table shows Sumter's crime rate in 6 crimes that Morgan Quitno uses for their calculation for "America's most dangerous cities" ranking, in comparison to the national average. The statistics provided are not for the actual number of crimes committed, but how many crimes committed Per Capita.[5]

Crime Sumter, SC (2006) National Average
Murder 9.9 6.9
Rape 34.7 32.2
Robbery 215.9 195.4
Assault 1059.7 340.1
Burglary 1228.4 814.5
Automobile Theft 282.9 526.5

According to the Congressional Quarterly Press '2008 City Crime Rankings: Crime in Metropolitan America, Sumter Statistical Metropolitan Area ranks as having the 5th highest overall crime rate out of 338 statistical metropolitan area's in the United States of America. It has become known as MERK CITY due to its high crime rate. [6][7]


Infrastructure

Municipal government and politics

The City of Sumter has a council-manager form of government. The mayor and city council are elected every four years, with no term limits. Sumter has the distinction of being the first to adopt the Council-Manager form of government, on June 11, 1912. The council appoints a city manager to serve as chief administrative officer to run the day-to-day business of the city and serves at the pleasure of the council. The current City Manager of Sumter is David Deron McCormick.

The current mayor of Sumter is Joseph T. McElveen Jr. McElveen, who is currently serving his third term, elected in 2000. Sumter holds elections for mayor every four years, with the next election in 2012; there are no term limits.

The city council consists of six members whose members are elected to represent a ward.The city council is responsible for making policies and enacting laws, rules and regulations in order to provide for future community and economic growth, in addition to providing the necessary support for the orderly and efficient operation of city services.[8]

Wards

  • 1: Thomas J. Lowery
  • 2: Ione Dwyer
  • 3: Hattie S. Scarborough (Mayor-Pro Tem)
  • 4: Walter G. Newman
  • 5: Robert Galiano
  • 6: William T. Painter, Sr.

Public Education

The public school system (Sumter Public Schools) is run by the Sumter School District 17 as the governing body of the school district with Dr. Zona W. Jefferson as superintendent. Nationally known for excellence, Sumter District 17 schools have received numerous prestigious recognitions, including three National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and the What Parents Want Award from School Match, an Ohio-based consulting firm. The district enrolls more than 9,500 students in grades preschool through 12 and employs over 1,500 staff members. Sumter School District 17 includes seven elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school, an alternative learning center, and the Early Head Start program. In addition, the district offers choice opportunities, which include the Magnet School for the Fine Arts and Technology, the Science Connections Magnet School, and the Sixth Grade Oaks Academy. All of the district’s schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and by the State Department of Education.[9]

Education

Sumter is home to two districts, Seventeen and Two, which serve all of Sumter County, and a few communities situated within the tri-county area.


Sumter School District Two

Sumter School District Two was formed on January 1, 1952, by consolidating 25 school districts in rural Sumter County and one district in Clarendon County. The district was named Sumter School District 2 because it was the second independent school district formed in the county.In 1952, the district was composed of 66 small schools and more than 8,000 students. Shortly after consolidation, the district began building new schools, closing older schools, and integrating the racially segregated public schools in the county. The district now consists of 15 schools including nine elementary, four middle, and two high schools. There is also an alternative program. In 1996, the district consolidated three high schools into two new ones, Crestwood and Lakewood High Schools. Approximately 9,400 students are now enrolled in Sumter School District Two. Six of the district’s original 66 schools still operate under the same name, although location and grade levels served have changed for many of them. The names Ebenezer, High Hills, Hillcrest, Mayewood, Rafting Creek, and Shaw Heights were with the district from the beginning and are still used today. Prior to consolidation, district leadership included a county superintendent and a county board of education that oversaw the operation of 25 sets of trustees in the 25 small school districts. Currently, the district is governed by one superintendent and a seven-member elected Board of Trustees. Board members represent single member districts across Sumter County. Shaw Air Force Base, established within the boundaries of District Two in 1940, appoints an eighth, non-voting member to the board. Dr. Hugh Stoddard served as the first superintendent of Sumter School District 2. He was followed by William Mitchell and Dr. Donald Crolley, who served from 1983 until 1988. Dr. Elijah McCants served as superintendent until 1991. He was followed by the district’s fifth superintendent, Dr. Joseph Lefft. The current superintendent is Dr. J. Frank Baker, who began his tenure in 1992. At the time of the district’s formation, high school curriculum was primarily college preparatory. Courses in home economics, agriculture, English, social studies, general science, biology, arithmetic, algebra, plane geometry and some trigonometry were available. Latin and French were offered at a few schools. There was no supervised physical education program at any school within the district, with the exception of an interscholastic athletic program and some playground activity. Music and art were not included as a formal part of the curriculum, but several schools had private instructors that came into the buildings to teach private piano lessons. One of the long-range objectives established in the early days of Sumter School District 2 was the elimination of multiple grade classes under one teacher. In 1956, just four years after the district was established, only 19 multiple grade classrooms remained, compared to 128 in 1952. It was not until 1956 that all high schools within the district’s attendance zone contained libraries. Physical education classes began on the high school level in 1957, as well as instruction in instrumental work and band. Choral and glee club music was encouraged beginning in 1956. Today, students have a wide range of educational opportunities. All elementary children receive advanced training in technology in addition to fundamental instruction in reading, science, social studies, language arts, health and physical education. The district’s two high schools now operate on a 4X4 block schedule that gives students the opportunity to earn more credits while in high school, further preparing them for college or the technical field. High school students have the opportunity to take advanced courses in English, math, history, science, and foreign language. College level courses are also available to qualified students through University of South Carolina and Central Carolina Technical College. Students at all grade levels can also take advantage of a wide range of extracurricular activities that enhance their learning environment.All schools in Sumter School District Two are accredited through both the SC State Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Full accreditation assures minimum standards for class size, qualification of teachers, libraries, instructional materials, school facilities, and curriculum have been met.

Higher education

The area is served by Morris College, a private four-year liberal arts college, Central Carolina Technical College, a public two-year technical college, and the University of South Carolina Sumter. Saint Leo University, Troy University, and Webster University all offer course and degree programs at Shaw Air Force Base.

Shaw Air Force Base

Sumter is home to Shaw Air Force Base, headquarters of the 9th Air Force and the 20th Fighter Wing. Since World War II it has been one of the major sources of employment in the area. Shaw's fighter planes mainly consist of F-16 Fighting Falcons, which are versatile multi-role fighters. F-16's dispatched from Shaw were the primary fighters used in the Gulf War. In response to the city's service, President George H. W. Bush came to Sumter to express his gratitude. The base was named in honor of 1st Lieutenant Ervin David Shaw, one of the first Americans to fly combat missions in World War I. Shaw, a Sumter County native, died after three enemy aircraft attacked his Bristol F.2 Fighter while he was returning from a reconnaissance mission.

Mass Transit

The Santee-Wateree Regional Transit Authority (SWRTA), is the agency responsible for operating mass transit in greater Sumter area. SWRTA operates express shuttles, and bus service serving Sumter and the communities within the county. The authority was established in October 2002 after SCANA released ownership of public transportation back to the City of Sumter. Since 2003, SWRTA provides transportation for more than 10,000 passengers, has expanded route services and introduced 15 new ADA accessible buses offering a safer, more comfortable means of transportation. In recent years, SWRTA has added natural gas powered buses to its small fleet, and has plans to expand.

.[10]

Roads and Highways

Columbia's central location between the population centers of South Carolina has made it a transportation focal point and primary distribution center, with three interstate highways and one interstate spur.

Interstates


US Routes


South Carolina State Highways

  • South Carolina Highway 120
  • SC 261
  • South Carolina Highway 441
  • South Carolina Highway 762

Swan Lake/Iris Gardens

Swan Lake/Iris Gardens is the only public park in the United States with all eight species of swans. The City of Sumter hosts the "Iris Festival" which is centered around Swan Lake/Iris Gardens in May and is open to the public. Traditionally, the festival is held Memorial Day weekend. The park is also the host during the holiday season to the "Swan Lake Fantasy of Lights", the largest free Christmas light display in South Carolina, with nearly 2 million lights.


Sports

Riley Park is a 4,000 seat stadium that is primarily used for baseball and was the home of Sumter Braves, a Single A Atlanta Braves affiliate that competed in the South Atlantic League. Riley Park was home to the Sumter Braves from 1985 until 1990, when the team left Sumter for Macon, Georgia. Notable Sumter Braves that went on to Major League success include Tom Glavine, David Justice, Kevin Brown (right-handed pitcher), Mark Wohlers, Ryan Klesko, and Vinny Castilla.[11] The Braves were replaced by the Sumter Flyers in 1991, a Single A Montreal Expos affiliate. The Flyers, however, left Sumter after one season.[12] No professional baseball team has competed in Sumter since the end of the 1991 season.

Riley continues to be the home of the P-15s, an American Legion baseball team with a long history of success. The P-15's have won 14 state titles including 1940, 1950, 1952, 1962, 1977, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009.[13] They advanced to the 2006 American Legion World Series in Cedar Rapids, IA where they finished 4th nationally. The P-15's made a return trip to the American Legion World Series hosted by Shelby, NC in 2008 and 2009. Palmetto Tennis Center is a new state of the art tennis court in Palmetto Park. The tennis center has 18 official size tennis courts. The Palmetto Tennis Center host the college level tournaments each year.[14] Sumter Memorial Stadium is home to Sumter High School's Fighting Gamecocks. Sumter School District 2 Memorial Stadium is home to the Crestwood High School Armored Knights. J. Frank Baker Stadium is home to the Lakewood High School Gators


Palmetto Tennis Center is a National Tennis Court in Palmetto Park in Sumter, South Carolina. It is the largest tennis center in the state. They have 18 lit hard courts as well as 6 Deco-Turf courts. They host several tournaments every year both junior and adult. PTC is also the host of the Palmetto Pro Open a women's 10K event on the USTA Pro Circuit. Template:Geolinks-US-streetscale

Notable people from Sumter

  1. ^ "Table 2: Population Estimates for the 100 Most Populous Metropolitan Statistical Areas Based on July 1, 2006 Population Estimates: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. 2007-04-05. Retrieved 2009-11-10.
  2. ^ http://www.sumter-sc.com/AboutSumter/History.aspx
  3. ^ http://www.sumter-sc.com/AboutSumter/Facts.aspx/
  4. ^ Sumter, South Carolina (SC) - Sperling's BestPlaces
  5. ^ http://www.city-data.com/city/Sumter-South-Carolina.html
  6. ^ http://os.cqpress.com/citycrime/MetroCrime2008_Rank_Rev.pdf
  7. ^ http://os.cqpress.com/citycrime2008/citycrime2008.htm
  8. ^ http://www.sumter-sc.com/Government/Mayor.aspx
  9. ^ "2009–2010 SSD17 Fast Facts". Sumter School District 17.
  10. ^ Rail Transit Study
  11. ^ http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Sumter_Braves
  12. ^ http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Sumter_Flyers
  13. ^ http://www.p-15.com/P15Fans.asp
  14. ^ [1]
  15. ^ The Citadel Alumni Association
  16. ^ Account of Captain M'Gowan of the Star of the West

or </references/> Robert Henry Best, (April 15, 1896 – December 16, 1952), was an American broadcaster of Nazi propaganda during World War II. He was convicted of treason in 1948 and sentenced to life imprisonment.

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