Central, South Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Central, South Carolina
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Top, left to right: Downtown Central, Southern Wesleyan University, Central Roller Mills, Central High School
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Location of Central within South Carolina
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| Country | United States |
| State | South Carolina |
| County | Pickens |
| Incorporated | 1875 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.07 sq mi (7.94 km2) |
| • Land | 3.06 sq mi (7.93 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2) |
| Elevation | 906 ft (276 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 5,296 |
| • Density | 1,713.59/sq mi (661.56/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
29630
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| Area code | 864 |
| FIPS code | 45-13015 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1247236 |
| Website | cityofcentral.org |
Central is a town in Pickens County, South Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 5,159, roughly 3,000 of whom were considered permanent residents. Contrary to its name, it is not near South Carolina's center. It received its name from being halfway or the central point between Atlanta and Charlotte along the former Atlanta and Richmond Air-Line Railway line. Southern Wesleyan University's main campus is east of downtown Central.
Contents
History
Central was founded by the Atlanta and Richmond Air Line Railway in a railroad boom that began in 1873. The town's name represents the fact that it is midway between Atlanta and Charlotte. Central was incorporated as a town on March 17, 1875.
In 1897, Southern Railway moved its headquarters from Central to Greenville; trains no longer stopped to change engines, and soon all shops and offices were closed. The establishment of Issaqueena Mill and, in 1906, Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute (now Southern Wesleyan University) brought people back to the town.
Two buildings on Church Street in Central are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: Central High School and Morgan House. The Central Roller Mills on Madden Bridge Road was listed in 2013.
Geography
Central is located at 34°43′26″N 82°46′47″W / 34.723781°N 82.779754°W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has an area of 2.4 square miles (6.2 km2), all of it land.
Downtown Central is bisected by a rail line. A significant number of late 19th- to early 20th-century commercial buildings remain, most of which are single-story and retain a good amount of historical integrity. As of 2006, a downtown streetscape project is underway that is designed to improve the area's aesthetics. There are also many modest pre-World War II homes near the downtown. Central has several large apartment complexes, including The Reserve, which primarily house students from nearby Clemson University (who can use Clemson Area Transit to get there), as well as from Southern Wesleyan University.
The Central Heritage Society has a museum and information on many historic buildings and homes in the area.
Attractions
In addition to Southern Wesleyan University, the town is home to Grand Central Station, a disc golf course that hosts Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) tournaments.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 184 | — | |
| 1890 | 396 | 115.2% | |
| 1900 | 349 | −11.9% | |
| 1910 | 886 | 153.9% | |
| 1920 | 898 | 1.4% | |
| 1930 | 1,440 | 60.4% | |
| 1940 | 1,496 | 3.9% | |
| 1950 | 1,263 | −15.6% | |
| 1960 | 1,473 | 16.6% | |
| 1970 | 1,550 | 5.2% | |
| 1980 | 1,914 | 23.5% | |
| 1990 | 2,438 | 27.4% | |
| 2000 | 3,522 | 44.5% | |
| 2010 | 5,159 | 46.5% | |
| 2020 | 5,247 | 1.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Central is part of the Greenville–Mauldin–Easley metropolitan area.
2010 census
Central's population has grown rapidly since 2000, mostly due to the construction of apartment complexes for students attending Clemson University, Southern Wesleyan and Tri-County Technical College.
2020 census
| Race | Num. | Perc. |
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| White (non-Hispanic) | 3,375 | 64.32% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 911 | 17.36% |
| Native American | 18 | 0.34% |
| Asian | 305 | 5.81% |
| Other/Mixed | 251 | 4.78% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 387 | 7.38% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 5,247 people, 2,483 households, and 796 families residing in the town.
Education
Public education is provided by the School District of Pickens County (Pickens 01), including D. W. Daniel High School, a 2005 National Blue Ribbon School.
The Central Clemson Regional Branch library, part of the Pickens County Library System, serves as the community's public library.
Central shares educational facilities and transportation services with the adjacent city of Clemson.
Southern Wesleyan University
Central is home to Southern Wesleyan University's main campus. Southern Wesleyan University is a SACS-accredited four-year Christian university founded in 1906. The main campus houses over 600 traditional undergraduate students. It has three main housing buildings, two fine arts centers, a dining hall, a library, a gym, and many class buildings. The campus is also home to FWC Alive, a Wesleyan church that offers a traditional worship service and a contemporary worship service.
Library
Central has a public library, a branch of the Pickens County Library System.
Notable people
- Lindsey Graham, senior United States senator from South Carolina, born and raised in Central. Recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal
- DeAndre Hopkins, NFL wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans, born and raised in Central
- Jarvis Jenkins, former NFL defensive lineman, born and raised in Central
- Shaq Lawson, NFL defensive end for the Buffalo Bills was born and raised in Central
- DeShawn Williams, NFL defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos
- Furman L. Smith, Medal of Honor recipient, who as part of the 34th Infantry Division fought and died during World War II, is buried in Central.
- Timothy L. Smith, noted historian and educator, born in Central
See also
In Spanish: Central (Carolina del Sur) para niños
