Hartsville is a city in Darlington County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 7,556 at the 2000 census (14,907 total pop. of Hartsville Urban Cluster) and is part of the Florence Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Geography
Hartsville is located at 34°22′10″N 80°4′51″W / 34.36944°N 80.08083°W / 34.36944; -80.08083 (34.369474, -80.080783)[3].
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.0 mi² (13.0 km²). 5.0 mi² (12.9 km²) of it is land and 0.04 mi² (0.1 km²) of it (0.60%) is water.
Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 7,556 people, 3,044 households, and 1,935 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,517 people per square mile (585.8/km²). There were 3,499 housing units at an average density of 702.4/sq mi (271.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 56.00% White, 42.47% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races, and 0.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.83% of the population.
There were 3,044 households out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.6% were married couples living together, 22.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.0% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 78.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 71.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $26,063, and the median income for a family was $38,877. Males had a median income of $42,295 versus $22,583 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,318. About 21.6% of families and 25.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.5% of those under age 18 and 21.7% of those age 65 or over.
History
Early history
According to the book, Milestones, Hartsville Centennial, many Native American tribes lived in northeastern South Carolina, currently known as the Pee Dee region. The Souian-speaking tribes, Catawba, Waxhaw, Wateree, Cheraw and Pee Dee lived in the area known now as Hartsville, South Carolina. These tribes were plagued by disease brought into the area by European settlers. By approximately 1715, most of the Native American population disappeared. A few of their decedents still live near the Rock Hill area.
Settlement
Hartsville’s first settlement began around 1760. Hartsville received its name from Captain Thomas E. Hart. Captain Hart, a very influential man, due to his kind and gentle nature, won the hearts and trust of those in the community. He owned most of the land around Hartsville. Though a farmer, he also owned a mercantile business. During the depression of 1837-1838, Captain Hart lost his land and business. Kalmia, the homestead of the Hart family was sold to Captain Hart’s son-in-law, Colonel T.C. Law.
Commercial establishment
In 1845 the son of Captain Hart, John Lide Hart, bought 491 acres (1.99 km2) from Colonel Law. John Hart established Hartsville Plantation in the area now considered downtown Hartsville. John Law established a carriage factory, steam powered sawmill, grist mill, store, post office, school and Hartsville Baptist Church. John Hart sold his carriage factory to Caleb Coker in 1855. Caleb Coker bought the factory for his son, James Lide Coker.
James Lide Coker
James came to Hartsville in 1857. His plans to put into practice farming methods learned at Harvard College, were interrupted by the Civil War. James Lide Coker became a Major while in the service. Major Coker returned to Hartsville, injured, and found his plantation in shambles. He was determined to reconstruct his plantation and the once prospering town of Hartsville.
In 1894 Major Coker established the Welsh Neck high school which later became Coker College. Major Coker also established a seed company, oil mill, fertilizer plant and the Coker and Company General Store.[4] He also established a bank and the Southern Novelty Company. The Cokers unable to gain the interest of other business owners in Hartsville to build a rail-road spur, decided to build their own. This decision led to great prosperity. In 1899, The Southern Novelty Company and the Carolina Fiber Company merged. This merger created Sonoco Products Company. Sonoco Products Company, now a Fortune 500 company with world worldwide interest, employs many Hartsville citizens.
Education
Public schools
Hartsville High School, Hartsville Middle School, and the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, Thornwell School for the Arts, and Carolina, West Hartsville, North Hartsville, and Washington Street Elementary Schools serve Hartsville students.
Private schools
Emmanuel Christian School [1] (Baptist), Thomas Hart Academy (private), and Bible Baptist Christian School (Baptist) are located in Hartsville.
Higher education
Coker College, a four year baccalaureate granting institution is located in Hartsville.
Points of interest
References
External links
