Local Information: 
 
History   

The city of Sumter was  named in honor of General Thomas Sumter, a hero of the revolutionary war.  He is buried in a park in the High Hills of the Santee, an area west of Sumter off of Hwy 261.   South Carolina's oldest church, the Church of the Holy Cross is in nearby Statesburg, an area that missed becoming the location of the state capital by one vote.  Joel Roberts Poinsett, a statesman and botanist who introduced a colorful  Mexican plant to the US which still bears his name (poinsettia),  is buried at the Church of the Holy Cross.  The area has a rich history.

Overview

With its friendly people, moderate climate, convenient central location in the state, and low property tax rates, it is easy to see why Sumter is a small city growing rapidly.  Sumter has a large industrial park with high caliber companies.   Our city offers a wide variety of clubs, attractions and activities.   The city is liberally sprinkled with public parks that include soccer, football and baseball fields as well as tennis courts.  There are 7 local golf courses for variety when you hit the links.   Lake Marion to the south and Lake Wateree to the north offer fine boating and fishing.   If you prefer your water with a little salt, Myrtle Beach and Charleston are but  90 minutes away.   Those who relax with high octane will find options whether they prefer two wheels or four, dirt or asphalt.  The University of South Carolina has a campus at Sumter, and combined with Morris College and Central Carolina Technical College, provides a wide range of options for higher learning.  

Parks, Recreation

Swan Lake Iris Garden: Established in 1927, Swan Lake Iris Garden is one of the largest iris gardens in the world with 25 varieties of Japanese Iris totaling over 2,000,000 specimens.  The 150 Acre Park contains a 45 acre lake that is is home to all 8 species of swans.  A festival is held every year at the peak of the blooming season in late May, but the park is a beautiful place to visit all year.    

Lake Marion: Home to the the best land-locked stripped bass fishing in the US, Lake Marion is  110,000 acres, making it the largest inland lake in South Carolina.  It is one of the Santee-Cooper lakes and is just south of Sumter and Poinsett State Park on US 261.  Camping and other activities are available at Santee State Park on the shores of lake Marion

Lake Wateree:  30 minutes to the north is 13,00 acre 21 mile-long Lake Wateree, its quiet waters perfect for boating and waterskiing.  Access the lake at any of the numerous private landings, or at the Lake Wateree State Recreation Area.

Pointsett State Park: Located 20 Minutes south of Sumter, and just north of of the famous Santee Cooper lakes, Poinsett State Park is a full service park offering  tent camping , RV sites or cabins.  There is a fishing lake well as miles of trails for hiking, biking or motorcycling. 

Lee State Natural Area:  Located 20 miles north of Sumter on  US 261, Lee State Natural Area is a 2800 acre park on the Lynches river.  Tent camping, equestrian camping, hiking and a picnic area are available to the public .  Be sure to check out the artesian springs.  Both Lee and Poinsett State Parks offer primitive camping areas for organized groups.

Motorsports: Serving local racing since 1956,  Sumter Speedway is located just southwest of town on Wedgefield Road.  This historic 3/8 mile dirt oval is home to Late Model, Thunder & Lightning, Mini-Stock and Pure Street racing events most every Saturday night through the summer.  If you like your ovals a little bigger, the world famous Darlington Raceway is just 40 miles to the south and hosts Nascar races as well as local events and driver schools.  If you prefer your racing with both left and right turns,  Carolina Motorsports Park is a private, 2.5 mile, 14 turn, professionally designed motorsport course located on the rolling countryside 45 minutes north on US 521, just south of the Kershaw County line.  The course is just as challenging whether you prefer 2 wheels or four.  Rent the entire track , or just attend one of the many driving schools held there.  The local  SCCA hosts driving events at CMP as well as Solo1 autocrosses in parking lots all over the state.  

Golf:  Saving the best for last, Sumter is a haven for Golfers.  With our mild climate, Golf at any of our 7 available courses is really a year-round activity.  And if 7 courses isn't enough of a challenge, world famous Myrtle Beach, with its golf and entertainment facilities, is just 90 minutes to the east, making day trips for the entire family a breeze.

Government, Industry

Located to the west of Sumter, Shaw Air Force Base was established in 1941, and has served a variety of missions in its proud history.  It is currently home to the 20th Fighter wing,  9th Air Force and US Central Command, and the Viper East F-16 Demo Team.

Sumter's  industrial parks are home to diverse assortment of companies that make everything from air filters to tractor trailers.