Bowman, South Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bowman, South Carolina
|
|
|---|---|
Town hall
|
|
Location in Orangeburg County, South Carolina
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | South Carolina |
| County | Orangeburg |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.18 sq mi (3.05 km2) |
| • Land | 1.18 sq mi (3.05 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 138 ft (42 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 788 |
| • Density | 669.50/sq mi (258.54/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
29018
|
| Area codes | 803, 839 |
| FIPS code | 45-07840 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2405307 |
Bowman is a small town located in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, in the United States. In 2020, a census showed that 788 people lived there. It's a place with a rich history and some interesting stories!
Welcome to Bowman, South Carolina!
Where is Bowman?
Bowman is a town that covers about 1.2 square miles (3.05 square kilometers) of land. It's located in a part of South Carolina that was once known for growing rice. Later, it became a big area for growing cotton. The land here has a special clay soil that is great for farming.
A Look Back: Bowman's History
Early Beginnings
The idea for Bowman started in the late 1880s. People saw a great chance to develop the area, especially for farming and cutting lumber. The town was planned at an important crossroads. This spot was on an old road that people used to travel between Charleston and Orangeburg many years ago.
Lumber and Local Businesses
One of the oldest businesses still running in Bowman is the V.P. Kiser Lumber Company. They make pine shingles. Interestingly, some of the wood from this company was even used to help build Bowman's unique UFO Welcome Center!
The 1977 Tornado
On December 5, 1977, a powerful tornado swept through the downtown area of Bowman. It caused a lot of damage, leaving streets covered in glass and debris. Some buildings lost their roofs, and a few mobile homes were destroyed. Power went out, and three people were hurt, but thankfully, no one lost their life.
Sending Mail: The Post Office
Before Bowman was officially founded, mail was delivered only once or twice a week by horse and buggy from Orangeburg. The first post office in Bowman opened in a store owned by John W. Berry, who became the first postmaster. This building was also his home and had the first telephone line connecting Bowman to Branchville.
In the early 1900s, mail delivery improved. Rural routes were set up, and carriers began delivering mail to homes outside the town. By 1907, there were three rural mail routes, making it much easier for everyone to get their letters and packages. Today, Bowman still has two mail routes serving the area.
Remembering Heroes: War Memorial
In 1987, a special monument and an eternal flame were built in Bowman. This memorial honors the residents from the town who bravely served and lost their lives in different wars. It's a place to remember their courage and sacrifice.
- World War I
- James Edward Easterlin
- John Wesley Weathers
- John Moorer Livingston
- World War II
- James Edmund Berry
- Thomas Richard Edwards
- Leonard Everett Berry
- George Arthur Kemmerlin
- Benjamin Franklin Knight
- Vietnam War
- James Allen Johnson
- Henry Dennis West, III
- Jessie Clarence Felder
The Famous UFO Welcome Center
Bowman was once home to a very famous and unusual place called the UFO Welcome Center. It was a unique roadside attraction that many people found exciting and fun to visit. Sadly, in 2024, the UFO Welcome Center caught fire and was destroyed. There are currently no plans to rebuild it.
Who Lives in Bowman?
Population Changes Over Time
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 134 | — | |
| 1910 | 327 | 144.0% | |
| 1920 | 733 | 124.2% | |
| 1930 | 754 | 2.9% | |
| 1940 | 799 | 6.0% | |
| 1950 | 857 | 7.3% | |
| 1960 | 1,106 | 29.1% | |
| 1970 | 1,095 | −1.0% | |
| 1980 | 1,137 | 3.8% | |
| 1990 | 1,063 | −6.5% | |
| 2000 | 1,198 | 12.7% | |
| 2010 | 968 | −19.2% | |
| 2020 | 788 | −18.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The number of people living in Bowman has changed over the years. In 1900, there were 134 residents. The population grew steadily for many decades, reaching its highest point in 1980 with 1,137 people. By the 2020 census, the population was 788.
A Snapshot of Bowman's People
According to the 2020 United States census, there were 788 people living in Bowman. These residents made up 317 households and 150 families.
In the year 2000, Bowman had 1,198 residents. About 27.4% of the people were under 18 years old. The median age was 37 years, meaning half the population was younger than 37 and half was older. Most households were families, but many individuals also lived alone. Some families and individuals in Bowman faced economic challenges.
See also
In Spanish: Bowman (Carolina del Sur) para niños
