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Due West, South Carolina facts for kids

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Due West
Aerial view of Due West
Aerial view of Due West
Location of Due West, South Carolina
Location of Due West, South Carolina
Country United States
State South Carolina
County Abbeville
Area
 • Total 1.64 sq mi (4.25 km2)
 • Land 1.64 sq mi (4.24 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.01 km2)
Elevation
699 ft (213 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 1,219
 • Density 745.57/sq mi (287.80/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
29639
Area codes 864, 821
FIPS code 45-21040
GNIS feature ID 1247568

Due West is a small town in Abbeville County, South Carolina. In 2010, about 1,247 people lived there. It is known for being home to Erskine College, Erskine Theological Seminary, and Dixie High School.

History of Due West

The name "Due West" has a couple of interesting stories. Some people think it came from a mispronunciation of "DeWitt's Corner." Others believe the town was simply "due west" along an old pioneer trail.

Important Treaty Signed Here

A very important event happened in Due West in May 1777. The Treaty of Dewitt's Corner was signed here. This was a peace agreement with the Cherokee Indians. After the treaty, the Cherokee people split into two groups. One group, the Chickamauga Cherokee, kept fighting settlers for another 17 years.

Historic Places in Town

Several places in Due West are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Erskine College-Due West Historic District, Lindsay Cemetery, and Young Place. These sites help preserve the town's history.

Geography of Due West

Due West is located in South Carolina at 34°19′56″N 82°23′14″W / 34.33222°N 82.38722°W / 34.33222; -82.38722.

Town Area

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town covers about 4.2 square kilometers (1.6 square miles). Most of this area is land. Only a tiny part, about 0.01 square kilometers (0.004 square miles), is water.

Population of Due West

Historical population
Census Pop.
1850 330
1870 400
1880 449 12.3%
1890 644 43.4%
1900 631 −2.0%
1910 672 6.5%
1920 702 4.5%
1930 620 −11.7%
1940 593 −4.4%
1950 1,033 74.2%
1960 1,166 12.9%
1970 1,380 18.4%
1980 1,366 −1.0%
1990 1,220 −10.7%
2000 1,209 −0.9%
2010 1,247 3.1%
2020 1,219 −2.2%
2023 (est.) 1,216 −2.5%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2000, there were 1,209 people living in Due West. The town had 307 households and 194 families. The population density was about 738 people per square mile.

Who Lives in Due West?

In 2000, about 11.3% of the population was under 18 years old. A large group, 40.7%, was between 18 and 24 years old. About 18.8% of the people were 65 years or older. The average age in Due West was 24 years.

Education in Due West

Students in Due West are part of the Abbeville County School District.

Local Schools

Younger students attend Cherokee Trail Elementary, which is in Donalds. Older students go to Dixie High School, which serves grades 8 through 12.

Colleges in Town

Due West is home to Erskine College. This is a private Christian college that focuses on liberal arts. Liberal arts colleges offer a wide range of subjects, helping students learn about many different fields. The college is connected with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Due West also has Erskine Theological Seminary. This is a school where people study to become religious leaders.

Notable People from Due West

Many interesting people have connections to Due West:

  • Lawrence Cowan (1858–1933), a judge, lawyer, and businessman in Arizona.
  • Charlayne Hunter-Gault (born 1942), a famous civil rights activist and journalist.
  • Jim Lauderdale (born 1957), a well-known singer and songwriter.
  • Buck Pressly (1886–1954), a professional baseball player who was also a doctor.

See also

A friendly robot In Spanish: Due West para niños

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