Kingstree is a city in South Carolina, United States. It is the main town, or county seat, of Williamsburg County, South Carolina. In 2020, about 3,244 people lived there.

History of Kingstree

The town was first called Williamsburg by the early English rulers, known as the Lords Proprietors. But a very tall white pine tree was found near the Black River. This tree was special because tall white pines were perfect for making ship masts. The king of England claimed this tree for himself. A special mark, called the broad arrow, was carved into the tree. This mark meant that no one could cut it down. Even though white pines grow in the Appalachian Mountains, this was the only "King's Tree" ever found in the southern United States.

Over time, the county kept the name Williamsburg. But the main town became known as the King's Tree, and later Kingstree. In 1867, a fire happened at the town's jail.

Battles in the Area

Battle of the Lower Bridge

During the American Revolution, General Francis Marion, also known as the "Swamp Fox," fought the British. He defeated them at the Battle of the Lower Bridge in March 1781. You can find a historical marker about this battle between US Highway 521 and the Black River.

Battle of King's Tree

After the British took control of Charles Town (now Charleston) during the Revolution, General Marion gained many supporters. The Battle of King's Tree happened on August 27, 1780. The town faced some damage, and the Indiantown Presbyterian Church was burned down.

Historic Buildings and Homes

Several important buildings and homes in Kingstree are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Kingstree Historic District, the M.F. Heller House, the Colonel John Gotea Pressley House, the Scott House, and Thorntree.

Williamsburg Presbyterian Church

Williamsburg Presbyterian Church started in August 1736. It has had three different buildings. The first church was built in 1738. The second building was constructed in 1828. The third and current church building, on North Academy Street, was built in 1914. Its beautiful stained glass windows came all the way from Austria. The first person buried in the church cemetery was John Witherspoon (1670–1737).

In October 2011, the church celebrated its 275th birthday. It is the oldest church still standing between the Santee and Cape Fear Rivers in North and South Carolina. This church is also the "mother church" to 33 other Presbyterian churches, including Union Presbyterian Church and Indiantown Presbyterian Church.

In July 1780, a group called the Kingstree company was formed at the original churchyard. This group, led by Captain Henry Mouzon, later joined General Francis Marion's forces to fight against the British.

The Arnette House

The Arnette House is one of the three oldest homes in Kingstree, built in 1840. It is special because its dining room was used as a school during two different times in its early history.

Thorntree House

Thorntree House is the oldest home in the "lowcountry" area of South Carolina. This old plantation home was built in 1749 by James Witherspoon using local materials. It was originally located six miles outside of town, near where the Battle of the Lower Bridge took place. James Witherspoon was part of Francis Marion's group.

During the Revolution, the British took over the house when it was at its first location. Later, in 1969, the Williamsburg Historical Society moved the house to its current spot inside Kingstree. They did this to protect it with the city's police and fire departments. The house is now listed on the National Historic Register.

Williamsburg County Courthouse

The Williamsburg County Courthouse is located on Main Street in Kingstree's business area. The land where the courthouse stands was once a parade ground used by the local militia during the Revolution.

The courthouse was built in 1823 by Robert Mills, a famous architect from South Carolina. In 1883, the second floor caught fire, but the building's walls were 30 inches thick and fireproof, so it was saved and restored. Over the years, more changes were made, including parking for horses in 1901 and a third floor added in 1954.

Black River, Kingstree, South Carolina

Geography of Kingstree

Kingstree is located at 33°40′16″N 79°49′43″W / 33.67111°N 79.82861°W / 33.67111; -79.82861.

The town covers about 3.2 square miles (8.3 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part covered by water.

The Black River

The Black River is a natural river with untouched banks. It is home to special and rare animals and plants, like the American chaffseed and the swallow-tailed kite. The river gets its dark color from natural substances called tannins, which come from cypress trees. People who enjoy fishing love the Black River because it has many kinds of fish, such as bream, red-breasted sunfish, largemouth bass, and catfish.

In 2001, a 75-mile (121 km) part of the Black River was added to the Scenic River Program by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The Black River is one of South Carolina's longest rivers, stretching 150 miles (240 km). It flows through Williamsburg, Clarendon, Sumter, and Georgetown Counties.

Population of Kingstree

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1880	384	—
1890	539	40.4%
1900	760	41.0%
1910	1,372	80.5%
1920	2,074	51.2%
1930	2,392	15.3%
1940	3,182	33.0%
1950	3,621	13.8%
1960	3,847	6.2%
1970	3,381	−12.1%
1980	4,147	22.7%
1990	3,858	−7.0%
2000	3,496	−9.4%
2010	3,328	−4.8%
2020	3,244	−2.5%
U.S. Decennial Census

What the 2020 Census Shows

In 2020, there were 3,244 people living in Kingstree. Most of the people in Kingstree were African American (about 69.5%), and about 23.6% were White. There were also smaller groups of Asian, Native American, and Hispanic or Latino people.

What the 2010 Census Showed

In 2010, Kingstree had 3,328 people. About 70.3% of the people were African American, and 28.5% were White. Most homes were occupied, and many people owned their homes.

The population included people of all ages. About 27.7% were under 18 years old. The average age was 34.3 years. Many people had a high school degree, and some had a college or graduate degree.

Education in Kingstree

Kingstree has a public library that is part of the Williamsburg County Library system.

Famous People from Kingstree

Many notable people have come from Kingstree, including:

Teddy Pendergrass – a famous R&B singer
Maxine Brown – a blues and R&B singer
Arischa Conner – an American actress
Carol Connor – the first female judge in South Carolina's circuit, appeal, and supreme courts
Mary Gordon Ellis – the first woman elected to the South Carolina legislature
Louise Fulton – a professional bowler
Joseph L. Goldstein – a Nobel Prize winner
Uhuru Hamiter – an American football player
JoAnn Haysbert – the first female president of Langston University
John Mack – a civic leader
Bryant McFadden – an NFL cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Rollee McGill – an R&B singer and musician
Yancey McGill – a former Lt. Governor of South Carolina
Wesley Mouzon – a professional boxer
Clifton Newman – a South Carolina circuit court judge
Thomas D. Singleton – a United States Representative from South Carolina
Stephen Atkins Swails – a soldier and politician
Henry N. Tisdale – an American academic and mathematician

Festivals in Kingstree

Kingstree Pig Pickin' Festival

The "Pig Pickin'" Festival happens every fall. Chefs from Kingstree and other states compete to see who has the best barbecue recipes. Many people come to try the special Williamsburg County vinegar-based barbecue. The festival also includes a golf tournament, tennis tournaments, a car show, arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, and activities for kids.

Kingstree Trials

Since 1996, the Williamsburg Hometown Chamber has hosted "The King's Tree trials." These horse races take place at the McCutchen training center in November. Jockeys and their horses come to compete in nine quarter races. Horse racing has been a part of Williamsburg County's history even before the American Revolution. Families and local business people gather to watch the races and enjoy barbecue.

Kingstree, South Carolina facts for kids

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