Horrell Hill, South Carolina facts for kids

Horrell Hill is a small, unincorporated community in Lower Richland County, South Carolina, United States. An unincorporated community is a place that does not have its own local government. Instead, it is managed by the larger county or state.

Horrell Hill is located south of Fort Jackson. It is also northwest of McEntire Joint National Guard Base. The community is mainly found where Garner's Ferry Road (U.S. Route 76/378) meets Harmon Road/Horrell Hill Road (SC 86). Another road, Congaree Road (SC 769), is very close by.

History of Horrell Hill

Early Settlement and Names

People first settled in the Horrell Hill area in the 1770s. It was first known as Meyer's (or Myer's) Hill. From 1785 to 1799, it was home to the county courthouse for Richland County. A county courthouse is where local government and legal matters are handled.

Later, the main government center, called the county seat, moved to the new city of Columbia. After this move, the old courthouse building in Horrell Hill was used as a grammar school. Over time, the area had several different names, including Minervaville. Eventually, it was named after Thomas Horrell, who owned a large farm there.

The 1924 Tornado

On April 30, 1924, Horrell Hill experienced a very powerful tornado. This storm was one of the strongest ever recorded in South Carolina. It traveled for 135 miles across the state. The tornado caused a lot of damage in Horrell Hill.

The Horrell Hill Elementary School building was completely destroyed by the storm. This event was a major challenge for the community.

Horrell Hill Today

Today, Horrell Hill is home to two schools that serve local students. These schools are Horrell Hill Elementary School and Southeast Middle School. Both schools are part of the Richland County School District One. They continue to be important centers for the community.