Who would have thought that the oldest railroad junction in the world here? The train depot in Branchville, one of the oldest towns in Orangeburg County and the state, now holds a railroad museum that marks the first railroad junction in history. It was first part of the world’s longest railroad, which ran 136 from Charleston to Hamburg during 1833. Later, this was turned into a junction through the addition of a route from Charleston to Branchville. There was even a time that 16 passenger and freight trains would pass …

Take a peek into the past at the Vallentines Cotton Gin and General Store, where visitors can experience cotton ginning as it was done back in the old days. Next door is the general store which still contains some of the merchandise that was sold to the railroad community of Cope during the 40s and 50s. The cotton gin, which was built in 1911 by J.I. Vallentine, is part of Orangeburg County’s Heritage Corridor Site.
The Vallentines Cotton Gin and General Store reflects the importance of cotton to rural community life. …

There’s something special about flying. When you’re up in the air, looking down on the city below from the clouds– that moment is simply unforgettable. It’s easy to see why Orangeburg’s New Hawthorne Aviators love to fly. But what’s more wonderful is how they love spreading their love to other people.
The New Hawthorne Aviators are a dedicated group of residents from Orangeburg and the nearby areas who love to fly. They come from various backgrounds, but the one thing they share is the love of aviation and anything to do …

Frogs are known to be high jumpers. Folklore has these green-skinned creature outsmarting other creatures with their prowess. But a contest on just how a frog can jump? It’s something that you have to see to believe. And what better place than in Springfield, South Carolina with the Annual Governor’s Frog Jump.
A contest first started in 1967, it made its home in Springfield in 1969, after a Springfield frog won the 1968 contest. While a lot of small towns in South Carolina held springtime festivals, Springfield’s Frog Jump has been …

Missing the good old days when America was young and riding a train was the way to go? There’s no better place to travel back to the days when trains were the king of the tracks than Branchville, South Carolina where the World’s Oldest Railroad lies. Come and join the locals as they celebrate the good old Raylrode Daze.
Every year, for one week in September, the town gathers to celebrate the rich railroad heritage of Branchville. The festival is a good time to appreciate how much we’ve moved forward. And …

Education is a never ending process. Learning something new is always good for personal growth, even for adults. That’s why schools like the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical Education Center, more popularly known as OC Tech University, were conceptualized. To pursue the continuing education of citizens and to ensure the counties’ growth.
Even before the official opening of OC Tech in 1968, the push for technical education in Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties were already strong. A lot of the local residents felt the need to look after the counties’ welfare. During that time, …

Various recreational activities for all age groups

A man-made lake created by flooding an old forest, Lake Marion is one of America’s most interesting lakes. The lake lies witness to endless stories that has happened even before it was born. Unravel the mysteries and tales hidden underneath the lake’s waters with an engrossing journey with Fisheagle Tours.
The largest lake in South Carolina, Lake Marion offers so much to adventure seekers. Step onboard the Fisheagle, a comfortable 28-seater passenger boat that navigates the lake’s mystifying trails. As the tour boat goes through the waters, a tour guide shares …

A lot of people suggest that we stop and smell the roses to lead a more satisfying life. At Orangeburg, South Carolina, we take this adage literally with our annual Festival of Roses.
Held annually since the 1972, this event celebrates the beautifully blooming roses in the Edisto Memorial Gardens, located near the banks of the Edisto River. The festival serves to welcome the full beauty of these locally cultivated roses in their equally beautiful natural setting. Known for its stunning rose collection, the Edisto Memorial Gardens is home to around …

Expect to spend your day oooh-ing and aaah-ing over exciting finds