Westminster, South Carolina facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Westminster, South Carolina
City
Southern Railways historic passenger depot
Location in Oconee County and the state of South Carolina.
Country	United States
State	South Carolina
County	Oconee
Area
• Total	3.45 sq mi (8.94 km2)
• Land	3.45 sq mi (8.93 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2)
Elevation	929 ft (283 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	2,353
• Density	682.82/sq mi (263.60/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP code	29693
Area codes	864, 821
FIPS code	45-76165
GNIS feature ID	1227504
Website	www.westminstersc.org

Westminster is a city located in Oconee County, South Carolina, in the United States. In 2010, about 2,418 people lived there. By 2020, the population was 2,353.

History of Westminster

Westminster was started in 1874. This happened when the Atlanta and Richmond Air-Line Railway was finished. The city officially became a town on March 17, 1875. It began as a place for trains to stop and get water on the Southern Railway line.

As more stores, shops, and factories opened near the train stop, Westminster grew into a good-sized town. The city saw its biggest growth in the 1920s.

Two important buildings in Westminster are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are the Retreat Rosenwald School and the Southern Railway Passenger Station. These places are special because they help us remember the city's past.

Westminster also celebrates an annual Apple Festival.

Geography of Westminster

Westminster is located at 34°39′59″N 83°5′43″W / 34.66639°N 83.09528°W / 34.66639; -83.09528.

The city covers a total area of about 3.4 square miles (8.9 square kilometers). All of this area is land.

Westminster is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is surrounded by many rivers, over 150 waterfalls, and two large lakes. This makes it a beautiful place with lots of nature to explore.

People of Westminster

Westminster Population in 2020

In 2020, there were 2,353 people living in Westminster. These people lived in 1,076 households, and 630 of these were families.

The table below shows the different groups of people living in Westminster in 2020.

Economy and Jobs in Westminster

Westminster is home to several important businesses and factories. These companies provide many jobs for the people living in the city.

Some of the main industries include:

• US Engine Valve plant, which makes parts for engines.
• Ulbrich, a company that makes special flat wires.
• Sandvik Tooling Supply, a global company that provides tools made from tungsten carbide. These tools are used for cutting and shaping materials.

Education in Westminster

Students in Westminster attend schools within the Oconee County school system.

Local Schools

• West-Oak High School is the public high school for most students from Westminster. It serves students from about half of Oconee County.
• There are several elementary schools: Westminster Elementary, Orchard Park Elementary, and Fair Oak Elementary.
• Westminster Elementary and Orchard Park Elementary teach students from pre-kindergarten to 5th grade.
• Fair Oak Elementary teaches students from pre-kindergarten to 5th grade.
• The town also has a middle school for students in grades 6 to 8.

Public Library

Westminster has a lending library. It is a branch of the Oconee County Public Library system. This means you can borrow books and other materials there.

Other Schools

• Cherokee Creek Boys School is also located in the area.

Arts and Culture in Westminster

Westminster is a lively city with many fun events and interesting places to visit.

Annual Events and Festivals

• South Carolina Apple Festival: This big celebration happens every year during the first two weeks of September. It includes a parade, street vendors selling goods, a rodeo, and other activities for families. Westminster and nearby Long Creek have many apple orchards.
• South Carolina Bigfoot Festival: If you're interested in mysteries, Westminster hosts this festival every October.
• Cruising Destination: Westminster is very popular for car lovers. People from all over come to "cruise" through town and show off their cool vehicles. The city is known as "The Southeast's Cruising Destination."
• Music on Main: From April to October, Main Street is closed off for live music performances. It's a great way to enjoy music outdoors.
• Westminster Bluegrass Jam: In April and September, musicians called "pickers" gather on Main Street. They bring their instruments and play bluegrass music together for everyone to enjoy.
• Parades: Besides the Apple Festival Parade, Westminster also has a Christmas Parade and a Veterans Day Parade each year on Main Street.

Museums and Points of Interest

• Train Depot: The historic train depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was damaged in 2005 but has since been rebuilt.
• Oconee Heritage Center General Store Museum: Located on Main Street, this museum shows many old items from the historic England's General Merchandise store. It also has exhibits about the history of the Westminster area.
• Gateway Arts Center: This center is on Windsor Street, just a block from Main Street. It features art shows, offers youth camps, and has after-school programs for kids interested in art.
• Recreation Department: Westminster has its own recreation department on Anderson Avenue. This is where you can find out about sports and other fun activities in the city.

Notable People from Westminster

Many interesting people have connections to Westminster:

• Gresham Barrett: He was a former U.S. Representative for South Carolina. He was born in Westminster.
• Jared Burton: A professional baseball player who played for the Minnesota Twins. He was born in Westminster.
• Todd Chrisley: An entrepreneur and reality television star. He grew up in Westminster.
• Andy Lee: An American football punter for the Carolina Panthers. He was born in Westminster.

See also

In Spanish: Westminster (Carolina del Sur) para niños