Lee County, South Carolina

Lee County Education, Geography, and History

Lee County is a county located in the state of South Carolina. Based on the 2010 census, its population was 19,220, making it the fifth-least populous county in South Carolina. Its county seat is Bishopville. The county is named for Confederate General Robert E. Lee. A previous incarnation of Lee County was established in 1898 and disestablished in the next year; the current Lee County was formed in 1902

Etymology - Origin of Lee County Name

Lee is named for Robert E. Lee, commanding general of the Confederate forces during the American Civil War.

Demographics:

County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts

Lee County History

Lee County was named for Confederate General Robert E. Lee (1807-1870). The county was formed in 1902 from parts of Darlington, Kershaw, and Sumter counties. A Revolutionary War skirmish took place in 1781 at Ratcliff's Bridge, and during the Civil War Confederate and Union troops skirmished at Mount Elon and Spring Hill in 1865. Lee County was also the site in 1880 of the last fatal duel fought in South Carolina. Cotton farming has long been associated with this area. US Senator Ellison Durant Smith (1864-1944), a native of Lee County, was nicknamed "Cotton Ed" because of his support for cotton farmers.

Geography: Land and Water

As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 411 square miles (1,065 km²), of which, 410 square miles (1,063 km²) of it is land and 1 square miles (3 km²) of it (0.24%) is water.

Neighboring Counties

Bordering counties are as follows:

• Darlington County, South Carolina - northeast
• Florence County, South Carolina - east
• Sumter County, South Carolina - south
• Kershaw County, South Carolina - northwest

Education

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