• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

SC Picture Project

The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

  • FIND A LANDMARK
    • BY CITY
    • BY COUNTY
    • BY CATEGORY
    • BYGONE LANDMARKS
  • ADD IMAGES
  • VOLUNTEER
  • SPONSORS
  • DONATE

Downtown Walterboro

SC PICTURE PROJECT 1 Comment

SC Picture Project / Colleton County / Downtown Walterboro

Walterboro is located in southern South Carolina near the junction of US 17A and I-95. It was established as a village as early as 1784 when several Lowcountry planters built summer retreats here. The town’s earliest settlers initially called the community Hickory Valley until changing its name to Walterborough in honor of its founders, brothers Paul and Jacob Walter. The town became the county seat of Colleton County in 1817; some sources claim it became the county seat in 1822, the year the courthouse was completed. Walterboro also received its first United States Post Office in 1822. Archibald Campbell served as the town’s postmaster. In 1829 the post office shortened the town’s spelling to “Walterboro.”

Downtown Walterboro

Benton Henry of Latta, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

In 1820 Walterboro received a library, affectionately called Little Library, which still stands today as the Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society. The addition of the library gave the town a reputation for valuing education, which in turn attracted more people to the hamlet. In the 1880s, the Atlantic Coast Railroad added a rail line to Walterboro which further vitalized the community. By 1915 the town’s street lamps had been updated with electricity.

Walterboro Library Society Building

Benton Henry of Latta, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

A plaza, seen below, was added to the downtown area in 1985 as part of the city’s redevelopment project. Led by then-mayor Elton L. Culpepper, the plaza features a concrete waterfall, benches, and an open space.

Washington Street Plaza

Benton Henry of Latta, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The plaza also features a veterans’ war memorial, erected in 1990. It consists of four granite slabs attached to the left wall. Each slab is dedicated to one war, and plans are in place for a fifth panel to honor those who have fallen since Vietnam. The inscription on the main memorial reads:

Short and tall, rich and poor, black and white, farmer and shopkeeper – they came from every walk of life. The men and women of Colleton County have always answered the call to defend the flag and protect our freedom. They have done this without hesitation during times of conflict and peace. They gave their all for God and country. We owe them a great debt.

Colleton County Veterans Memorial

Benton Henry of Latta, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Today Walterboro is a modern community with an historic flair. It is home to more than 5,000 residents who take advantage of the town’s many offerings, including the Colleton Museum and Farmers Market. The South Carolina Artisans Center is also located in Walterboro, showcasing more than 300 South Carolina artists and demonstrations.

Walterboro Marker

Benton Henry of Latta, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

As Colleton’s county seat, downtown Walterboro boasts many historic buildings, including the Old Colleton County Jail. Restaurants, churches, and antebellum homes also pepper the streets of downtown Walterboro, giving the town its nickname, “The Front Porch of the Lowcountry.”

Downtown Walterboro Rocking Chairs

Malena Kee of North Charleston, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Last but not least, Walterboro is noted for its water tower, one of just three remaining standpipe towers in South Carolina, as shown in the image above and below; its base also served as the local jail. (The others include the Allendale Water Tower and Belton Standpipe.)

Standpipe Water Tower Walterboro

Andy Hunter of North Augusta, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Plan Your Trip: Downtown Walterboro

Where is Downtown Walterboro located?
Address: East Washington Street, Walterboro, SC 29488
GPS Coordinates: 32.902857,-80.664192
What else should I see?
Walterboro Town Clock 0.1 mile
Walterboro Water Tower 0.2 mile
Paul Hamilton Fripp House 0.2 mile
Colleton County Courthouse 0.2 mile
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Post Offices
  • Walterboro Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Water Towers
    Downtown Walterboro Map

    Please Help Us Stay Online

    We’d like thank everyone who generously supports the South Carolina Picture Project. You provide us with the inspiration and financial support we need to keep doing what we do. Every reader’s contribution, larger or small, is valuable. If you have enjoyed this website or found it helpful, please pitch in. Each donation helps – and it only takes a minute. Thank you!

    Support the SC Picture Project!

    $ 50.00
    Select Payment Method
    Personal Info

    Credit Card Info
    This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

    Donation Total: $50.00

    You may also like

    You may also like

    Standpipe Water Tower WalterboroWalterboro Water Tower Couthouse in Colleton County, South CarolinaColleton County Courthouse Colleton County JailOld Colleton County Jail Bellinger HouseBellinger House Green Pond Texaco StationGreen Pond Texaco Station

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Candy Corman says

      September 11, 2018 at 12:01 PM

      I am moving to Walterboro and wanted to see the history of my new town and all it has to offer. This town sure has grown since the 90s. My sister used to take me into town when I came to visit. My sister has passed, but her daughter and her family lives nearby. Can’t wait for my new adventure!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    FIND A LANDMARK

    Why This Site Matters

    Help Keep This Site Online

    We depend on the support of today’s readers to document South Carolina’s landmarks for future readers. Please help us continue this important work by making a donation below.

    $ 50.00
    Select Payment Method
    Personal Info

    Credit Card Info
    This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

    Donation Total: $50.00

    Recent Posts

    • H.L. Hunley
    • Strand Theater
    • Camden Depot
    • Charleston City Marina
    • Secession Hill

    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

    Footer

    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

    CONTACT US

    We’d love to hear from you! Send us a quick email at share@scpictureproject.org.

    If you are looking for permission to use a photo, please reach out directly to the photographer listed in the image’s credit.

    JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

    The South Carolina Picture Project has two Facebook groups. One is dedicated to SC Historic Landmarks and Iconic Landscapes, and the other is dedicated to SC Nature and Wildlife.

    South Carolina Picture Project © 2023 · All Rights Reserved