Society Hill

Society Hill was settled by the Welsh Baptists who were granted a large tract along the Pee Dee River in 1736. Society Hill lies along the banks of the Pee Dee River, on the border of Darlington and Marlboro Counties. In 1736 and 1737, the Colonial Government granted land extending along the Pee Dee River for the sole use of the Welsh Baptists of Delaware. They established a colony of their own, settling in the bend of the river opposite the present Town of Society Hill. Eleven years later, they moved across the river and colonized Long Bluff, establishing the first settlement in Darlington County. By 1760, Long Bluff had become an important trading post and boat landing and was chosen as the site for the county Court House. The St. David's Society was formed in 1777 to promote education in the area. The Society built a school, St. David's Academy, shortly after the Revolutionary War. The Welsh Neck Baptist Church went up near the school and the community grew up around these buildings. Long Bluff was later abandoned in favor of this new site. Nowadays, Society Hill is a small southern community rich in historic buildings and true southern hospitality. The oldest settlement in Darlington County, Society Hill is still making history today with the Carolina Plantation, the only working commercial rice plantation in the state of South Carolina.

OLD SOCIETY HILL LIBRARY

Built in 1822, the library is the one of the oldest lending libraries in South Carolina. It was organized by a group of prominent local citizens who each contributed their share of $240 to purchase the books. Members paid a membership fee of $20 and an annual fee of $5 to purchase books from Philadelphia. The library is open on special occasions or by appointment only.

TRINITY CHURCH

Completed in 1834, it was the first Episcopal Church in Darlington County and is the oldest original church building of any denomination still standing in the county. It was closed in 1929 and holds one service per year (usually the third Sunday in May).

COKER-ROGERS STORE

The Coker-Rogers Store was the oldest mercantile in the county, perhaps the state, to have remained in continuous operation for 150 years. It is now closed to the public.

WELSH NECK BAPTIST CHURCH

The second oldest Baptist Church in South Carolina. It was established by a group of Welsh settlers from Delaware in 1738 on the east side of the river. They moved to this site in 1798. The present building was completed in 1938 and is the third on this lot. Also located on this property are the cemetery and Baptistery. The cemetery is fascinating to explore. Graves on Confederate and Revolutionary soldiers lie next to modern industrialists and Ivy League professors.

WELSH NECK BAPTIST CHURCH BAPTISTERY

The Baptistery dates to 1843. Timbers from the church were used to build this structure when after an alter call at a revival, a crowd moved toward the alter and the floor collapsed.

WINES STORE

Owned and operated by Zachariah W. Wines, black merchant and educator. He also represented Darlington County in the SC House from 1876-1878 and was commissioned by Governor Wade Hampton in 1877 as Captain in the National Guard. He also taught at nearby Waddell School and later served as Society Hill's postmaster. He died in 1920.

ST. DAVID'S ACADEMY

Dates to 1777 and was the first academy in eastern South Carolina. The Academy was known as an excellent educational facility throughout the state. Another building was built on this site in 1840. The present building is the sixth on this lot and dates to 1957. St. David's Academy helped to establish Society Hill as the cultural center of the county in the 1800's. Many well-known professors and students have come from the school, including some of the first professors at the University of South Carolina.

DEWITT-EVANS-BURN HOUSE

The current house was built in 1885, replacing an earlier house burned by the British in 1780. This architectural treasure is the oldest house in Society Hill. It became the home of Josiah Evans through his marriage to Dorothea Dewitt in 1813. They enlarged the dwelling considerably. Josiah Evans became a Circuit Court Judge and US Senator. The wooden ornaments on some of the gables are said to have the evil spirits away. The home is open during special events. Outside viewing only, please.

CROLY HILL

Built in 1820, Croly Hill was the site of the home of the infamous Mrs. Croly, who during the Revolutionary War often harbored the Tories. Once, when a group of Whigs found a party of Tories at her house, they proceeded to take her out to hang her. She was released when Captain McIntosh and Major Mikell came to her aid. The present house was built by Governor David Rogerson Williams as a summerhouse. The home is open during special events. Outside viewing only, please.

JAPONICA HALL

Japonica Hall (c. 1896) was built for Major James Lucas of Charleston, a prominent railroad and businessman. He also owned vineyards and a winery in Society Hill. His "Camilla japonicas" were among the first in Darlington County, hence the property's name. The house is a significant early design of Charles Coker Wilson, noted SC architect, and is an example of the American Renaissance of Beaux Arts style. The house, trees, and plantings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home is open during special events. Outside viewing only, please.