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

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Laurens

SC PICTURE PROJECT 3 Comments

SC Picture Project / Laurens County / Laurens

Laurens is a small town in northwestern South Carolina and is the seat of Laurens County. Both Laurens and Laurens County are named for Henry Laurens of Charleston, who was president of the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War.

Bull Durham

David Thompson of Anderson, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The central section of Laurens was laid out as a public square with the courthouse dominating the four acre area. Constructed of masonry and granite, the exterior was covered in stucco and scored to resemble stone. The central portion was finished in 1838, with the wings added in 1858. Additions were added in 1911 and 1940. The courthouse sits atop a raised basement and features two porticos with massive Corinthian columns and is an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture. Quaint shops and restaurants surround the courthouse square.

Laurens County Courthouse

Mark Guinn of Clinton, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Originally opened on June 10, 1926, the Capitol Theatre was owned by three businessmen; O.I. Sheely, Dr. Jack Young, and Mr. J. Lee Young. The theatre was managed by Gus Mason who would later become a co-owner. The theatre shut its doors in 1964 with various businesses opening in the front lobby over the next forty years. In 1998, Ronnie and Debbie Campbell opened a department store here until 2003 when the building was restored as a theatre. A 50s style diner and concession stand opened in 2004, with the first live stage show opening May of 2005. The theatre shows regular movies on its single screen but can be used for live performances, events, presentations, and more.

Laurens Square, Capitol Theatre

Mark Guinn of Clinton, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

More Pictures of Laurens


Coca-Cola Mural

David Thompson of Anderson, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Plan Your Trip: Laurens

Where is Laurens located?
Address: US Highway 221 and US Highway 76, Laurens, SC 29360
GPS Coordinates: 34.498906,-82.013526
Website: http://www.cityoflaurenssc.com/
What else should I see?
Laurens County Courthouse 0.1 mile
The Redneck Shop 0.2 mile
Church of the Epiphany 0.3 mile
Bethel AME Church 0.3 mile
Show me more like this!
  • Laurens Historic Sites
    Laurens Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Betty says

      March 15, 2020 at 10:32 AM

      Are there any photos of Chappells? Chappell Ferry?

      Reply
    2. Larry Langston says

      April 16, 2019 at 8:03 AM

      Any info on the Langston Family in the area would be greatly appreciated.

      Reply
    3. Lyndsay says

      August 2, 2013 at 10:33 PM

      He was also one of the biggest slave traders in the area. That’s how he made his money.

      Reply

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