Sumter, South Carolina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sumter
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Downtown Sumter
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| Nickname(s):
The Gamecock City
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| Motto(s):
"Uncommon Patriotism, Progressive Spirit"
"Invest. Invite. Serve." |
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Location in South Carolina
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| Country | United States | ||
| state | South Carolina | ||
| county | Sumter | ||
| Incorporated | 1845 | ||
| Named for | Thomas Sumter | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 33.06 sq mi (85.62 km2) | ||
| • Land | 32.86 sq mi (85.11 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.20 sq mi (0.51 km2) 0.60% | ||
| Elevation | 171 ft (52 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 43,463 | ||
| • Estimate
(2023)
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42,766 | ||
| • Rank | SC: 8th | ||
| • Density | 1,322.59/sq mi (510.66/km2) | ||
| • Urban | 68,825 (US: 406th) | ||
| • Urban density | 1,193.8/sq mi (460.9/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | ||
| ZIP code |
29150, 29151, 29153, 29154
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| Area code(s) | 803, 839 | ||
| FIPS code | 45-70405 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 1251074 | ||
Sumter is a city in South Carolina, United States. It is the main city of Sumter County. The city is part of a larger area that includes Sumter, Clarendon, and Lee counties. This area is sometimes called the "tri-county" or "East Midlands" region.
In 2020, about 43,463 people lived in Sumter. This makes it one of the largest cities in South Carolina.
Contents
History of Sumter
Sumter started as a plantation settlement. It was first called Sumterville in 1845. Then, in 1855, its name was shortened to Sumter. The city is named after General Thomas Sumter. He was a hero known as the "Fighting Gamecock" during the American Revolutionary War.
Sumter During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Sumter was very important. It was a key place for the Confederacy. The city helped supply goods and repair railroads for the Confederate army.
Growth After the War
After the Civil War, Sumter grew a lot. Its large railroad system helped transport goods. These goods included cotton, timber, and later, tobacco.
In the 1900s, Sumter became a big industrial center. A unique business, Palmetto Pigeon Plant, started in 1923. It became one of the world's largest producers of special chickens and pigeons.
Sumter's Modern Industries
In 1941, Shaw Air Force Base opened. This base helped bring more industries to Sumter, especially after World War II. Today, Sumter is known for its textile factories and other manufacturing. It also has biotech companies and special chemistry businesses. Sumter is a hub for business in central South Carolina. It is also a medical center for its region.
On September 17, 2024, Sumter was named a World War II Heritage City. This honor was given by the National Park Service.
Geography and Climate of Sumter
Sumter is often called the "Gamecock City." It is located near the middle of South Carolina. The city is about 100 miles west of Myrtle Beach. It is also about 175 miles east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Columbia, the state capital, is about 45 miles west. Charleston is about 100 miles south.
The city covers about 33 square miles. Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
| Climate data for Sumter, South Carolina | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 85 (29) |
86 (30) |
96 (36) |
97 (36) |
102 (39) |
108 (42) |
108 (42) |
106 (41) |
104 (40) |
102 (39) |
89 (32) |
86 (30) |
108 (42) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 56 (13) |
59 (15) |
68 (20) |
76 (24) |
83 (28) |
88 (31) |
91 (33) |
90 (32) |
84 (29) |
76 (24) |
67 (19) |
58 (14) |
75 (24) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 35 (2) |
37 (3) |
44 (7) |
51 (11) |
60 (16) |
67 (19) |
71 (22) |
70 (21) |
64 (18) |
53 (12) |
44 (7) |
37 (3) |
53 (12) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 0 (−18) |
4 (−16) |
11 (−12) |
26 (−3) |
36 (2) |
39 (4) |
50 (10) |
50 (10) |
39 (4) |
26 (−3) |
15 (−9) |
4 (−16) |
0 (−18) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 3.25 (83) |
2.68 (68) |
3.29 (84) |
2.7 (69) |
3.13 (80) |
4.2 (110) |
4.96 (126) |
4.84 (123) |
3.33 (85) |
2.88 (73) |
2.49 (63) |
2.94 (75) |
40.69 (1,039) |
| Source: The Weather Channel | |||||||||||||
Education in Sumter
Sumter has one main school district called the Sumter School District. This district serves both the city and the rest of Sumter County.
High Schools in Sumter
Sumter is home to three public high schools:
- Crestwood High School
- Lakewood High School
- Sumter High School
All these schools are approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. There are also several private schools in the area.
Colleges and Universities
Sumter also has several colleges:
- Morris College: A private four-year college, historically for Black students.
- Central Carolina Technical College: A public two-year college.
- University of South Carolina Sumter: A branch of the University of South Carolina.
Public Library System
The city has a public library system. It includes three branches of the Sumter County Library network.
Shaw Air Force Base
Shaw Air Force Base is located in Sumter. It is a very important military base. It is home to the United States Air Forces Central Command and the United States Army Central. The base also hosts the 20th Fighter Wing.
Shaw Air Force Base has been a major source of jobs since World War II. Its fighter planes, like the F-16 Fighting Falcon, are used for many different missions. F-16s from Shaw were used in the Gulf War. Many presidents have visited the base because of its importance. The base is named after 1st Lt. Ervin David Shaw. He was an early American pilot in World War I.
Transportation in Sumter
The Santee-Wateree Regional Transit Authority (SWRTA) manages public transportation in Sumter. It offers express shuttles and bus services. These services connect Sumter with other communities and Shaw Air Force Base. SWRTA has expanded its routes and uses modern, accessible buses. They have also started using natural gas-powered buses.
Major Roads and Highways
Sumter is connected by several important roads:
- Interstate 95
- U.S. Route 15
- U.S. Route 76
- U.S. Route 378
- U.S. Route 401
- U.S. Route 521
- Several South Carolina state highways
Swan Lake Iris Gardens
Swan Lake Iris Gardens is a unique public park in Sumter. It is the only public park in the United States that has all eight known types of swan. The lake has many islands and is home to different wildlife.
The park is also famous for its large collection of Japanese Iris. These beautiful flowers bloom every year in May and early June. The gardens also feature camellias, azaleas, and magnolias. There is even a special Braille Trail. This trail lets people who are blind enjoy the different smells and textures of the plants.
History of the Gardens
The area was first developed in 1927 by Hamilton Carr Bland. He was a local businessman. He wanted a private place for fishing. At the same time, he was trying to grow Japanese iris at his home. They did not grow well there. So, he told his gardener to throw them into the swamp. The next spring, the iris burst into bloom!
Events at the Gardens
Swan Lake Iris Gardens hosts many events throughout the year. The annual "Iris Festival" happens every Memorial Day weekend. During Christmas, the gardens light up with the "Fantasy of Lights" display. This display has over a million colorful lights. The park also hosts an annual Earth Day celebration.
Sports in Sumter
Sumter has a strong history in sports.
Baseball
Riley Park is a baseball stadium in Sumter. It used to be home to professional baseball teams. The Sumter Braves, a team linked to the Atlanta Braves, played there from 1985 to 1990. Famous players like Tom Glavine and David Justice played for the Sumter Braves. After them, the Sumter Flyers played for one season in 1991.
Today, Riley Park is home to the P-15s. This is a very successful American Legion baseball team. The P-15s have won 15 state titles. They even finished fourth nationally in the American Legion World Series in 2006.
Tennis
The Palmetto Tennis Center is a modern tennis facility. It has 24 tennis courts. Many youth, college, and professional tournaments are held there each year.
Football
Sumter also has several football stadiums:
- Sumter Memorial Stadium: Home of Sumter High School's Gamecocks.
- Marvin Montgomery Field at Donald L. Crolley Memorial Stadium: Home of the Crestwood High School Knights.
- Dr. J. Frank Baker Stadium: Home of the Lakewood High School Gators.
Other Sports and Athletes
In the 1950s, Sumter was known for its table tennis champions. Oliver Hoyt Stubbs, a national men's champion, was from Sumter.
Many famous athletes are from Sumter:
- Bobby Richardson: A former second baseman for the New York Yankees. He won three World Series. A youth baseball park in Sumter is named after him.
- Ray Allen: A professional basketball player. He was an NBA All-Star ten times.
- Jordan Montgomery: A professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees.
Notable People from Sumter
Sumter has been home to many talented people in different fields.
Artists
- Monica Helms: She created the Transgender Pride flag.
- Jasper Johns: A famous painter, sculptor, and printmaker.
- Grainger McKoy: An artist known for his wood and metal sculptures.
Athletes
- Ray Allen: Professional basketball player.
- Justin Bethel: NFL defensive back.
- Pete Chilcutt: Played basketball in the NBA.
- Nicole Gamble: A champion in track and field (triple jump).
- Terry Kinard: Former NFL player and Super Bowl participant.
- Bob Montgomery: A former lightweight boxing champion.
- Jordan Montgomery: Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Ja Morant: Professional basketball player.
- Bobby Richardson: Former New York Yankees baseball player.
- Freddie Solomon: Former NFL wide receiver.
Other Notable People
- David A. King: Former director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
- Shawn Weatherly: Miss USA and Miss Universe in 1980.
- Samuel R. Allen: Former chairman and CEO of John Deere.
Sister Cities
Sumter has one sister city:
Taichung City, Taiwan
Images for kids
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Location of Sumter in South Carolina
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The official seal of Sumter, South Carolina
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The city logo of Sumter, South Carolina
See also
In Spanish: Sumter (Carolina del Sur) para niños
