kids encyclopedia robot

Prosperity, South Carolina facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Prosperity, South Carolina
Prosperity Depot
Prosperity Depot
Motto(s): 
"Equal to the Name"
Location of Prosperity, South Carolina
Location of Prosperity, South Carolina
Country United States
State South Carolina
County Newberry
Area
 • Total 1.97 sq mi (5.11 km2)
 • Land 1.97 sq mi (5.11 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
541 ft (165 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 1,178
 • Density 597.36/sq mi (230.62/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
29127
Area code(s) 803, 839
FIPS code 45-58705
GNIS feature ID 1250259
Website www.prosperitysc.com

Prosperity is a town in Newberry County, South Carolina, United States. In 2020, the town had a population of 1,178 people.

History of Prosperity

From Frog Level to Prosperity

Before it was called Prosperity, the area had a funny name: Frog Level. This was because it was a low-lying place with many frogs living in nearby ponds.

In 1827, Captain Matthew Hall moved to the area. He opened a store and a post office in the early 1830s. The town started to grow when the railroad arrived in the 1850s. Being located along two major train lines helped the town become more successful.

A New Name for a New Start

In 1873, a big fire destroyed part of the town. After the fire, the people living there decided to change the town's name. They voted to call it "Prosperity" after the Prosperity Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. The new name meant hope for a better future.

Historic Places in Prosperity

Several buildings in Prosperity are very old and important. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Jacob Bedenbaugh House, Howard Junior High School, and Prosperity Cemetery.

Geography of Prosperity

Where is Prosperity Located?

Prosperity is located in South Carolina at coordinates 34°12′38″N 81°32′4″W / 34.21056°N 81.53444°W / 34.21056; -81.53444. It is found where two main roads meet: U.S. Route 76 and South Carolina Highway 391. This spot is northwest of a larger city called Columbia.

Nearby Lake Murray

Just south of Prosperity, you'll find Lake Murray. This large lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities.

Size of the Town

The town of Prosperity covers an area of about 2.1 square miles (5.5 square kilometers). All of this area is land.

Population and People

How Many People Live Here?

The number of people living in Prosperity has changed over the years. Here's how the population has grown and shrunk:

Historical population
Census Pop.
1880 357
1890 565 58.3%
1900 592 4.8%
1910 737 24.5%
1920 748 1.5%
1930 844 12.8%
1940 719 −14.8%
1950 699 −2.8%
1960 757 8.3%
1970 762 0.7%
1980 803 5.4%
1990 1,116 39.0%
2000 1,047 −6.2%
2010 1,180 12.7%
2020 1,178 −0.2%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2000, there were 1,047 people living in Prosperity. There were 415 households, which means 415 groups of people living together.

Age Groups in Town

The people in Prosperity are of different ages. In 2000:

  • About 27.8% of the people were under 18 years old.
  • About 14.0% of the people were 65 years old or older.

The average age of people in Prosperity was 35 years old.

Notable People from Prosperity

Some famous people have come from Prosperity:

  • John Buzhardt: A professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball.
  • Carl Edwards Jr.: Another professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball.
  • Charles Cecil Wyche: A judge for the United States federal court system.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Prosperity para niños

kids search engine
Prosperity, South Carolina Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.