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| Nicknamed the Palmetto State, South Carolina was the 8th State in the United States of America becoming a state on May 23, 1788. South Carolina's capital is Columbia. South Carolina Offers what few |
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| states can, Mountains to the West and the Atlantic Ocean to the East with an abundance of rivers and lakes between, offering plenty of family fun ideas. |
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 SUMTER |
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Though progressive in business, culture and lifestyle, Sumter’s past is always present. Its distinct Carolinas architecture graces every neighborhood and rises above the downtown streets.
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| Famous southern Gospel hymns and spirituals still ring in local churches, and southern hospitality welcomes area newcomers. |
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Sumter’s history began with South Carolina’s settlement as one of the original 13 colonies. By 1740, the infiltration of English-speaking settlers had reached inland to the Sumter area. Through land grants, beautiful plantations and farms began to cover the countryside as the area became an agricultural center.
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Sumter was named for American Revolutionary War hero Gen. Thomas Sumter. A brigadier general in the South Carolina militia, he was nicknamed the “Gamecock General.” He died at 98 years of age, on June 1, 1832, the last surviving general of the Revolution.
In 1984, the city of Sumter celebrated the 250th birthday of General Sumter. His tomb in Sumter Memorial Park near Stateburg is maintained as a historical site.
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| The city survived two wars: the American Revolution and the Civil War. |
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The Sumter District became Sumter County after the Civil War. Sumter’s earliest industrial and manufacturing concerns were established near the turn of the 20th century, but with the advent of man-made fibers, cotton was unseated and no longer king of the south.
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However, its era of decline was followed by a period of rapid industrial growth, and Sumter today is one of the most economically balanced areas in the U.S., with a diversified income ranging from frozen foods to furniture, tools, paints, chemicals, medical supplies, heavy equipment and high-tech electronics.
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Sumter’s cost of living is among the lowest in the United States. Housing is inexpensive by national standards, and property taxes are correspondingly low. The population rates are approximately: 43,000 for the city of Sumter and 108,000 for Sumter County.
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Sumter is also famous for its lovely gardens and charming residential neighborhoods and its name has become synonymous with Southern hospitality.
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| School |
| Sumter offers three high schools, six middle schools and 18 elementary schools, with a combined total current enrollment of more than 19,000 students. To augment the public school system, the community also offers seven private and parochial schools, with a total enrollment of more than 4,000 students. Central Carolina Technical College, a post-secondary, two-year institution, offers college-credit programs in business, industrial and engineering technology and in health and human services. |
For links to schools, visit www.shaw.af.mil and review newcomers’ information.
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The Continuing Education Division provides upgrade and/or career change training tailored to suit the needs of individuals and business and industry. Morris College, operated by the South Carolina Baptist Educational and Missionary State Convention, is a historically black, coeducational, liberal arts college offering a range of bachelor’s degree programs. The University of South Carolina at Sumter, one of nine campuses that comprise this state university, offers a wide variety of programs through the graduate studies level.
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| Recreation |
| Sumter sits in the middle of the state offering the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean to the right and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the left. All year long you experience activites for the entire family. |
Sumter is home to the world famous Swan Lake Iris Gardens. The beautiful black waters of Swan Lake form the setting for the spectacular Iris Gardens. The lake is dotted with colorful islands, and wildlife is abundant. The only public park in the United States to feature all eight swan species, Swan Lake-Iris Gardens is also home to some of the nation’s most intensive plantings of Japanese iris, which bloom yearly in mid to late May and last until the beginning of June. The garden also boasts many other floral attractions, including colorful camellias, azaleas, day lilies, and Japanese magnolias. A Braille Trail enables the sight-impaired to enjoy the scents and sensations of the gardens. The gardens come alive with color during the Christmas season with the nighttime Fantasy of Lights display, featuring more than 1,000,000 varicolored sparkling lights in an array of colors and shapes.
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Location
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Shaw is located about 35 miles east of Columbia, the state capital. The base community consists of more than 5,400 active-duty military members, 11,000 family members and more than 600 civilian employees.
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The base is conveniently centrally located. A two-hour drive to the north is Charlotte, N.C., to the east is Myrtle Beach and to the south is Charleston, S.C. So, if you’re looking for the entertainment and excitement of a big city, a quiet walk along the beach or a taste of small town Southern hospitality, Shaw is the place to be.
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Shaw’s main gate is located 10 miles west of Sumter, S.C., on U.S. Highway 76/378.The second oldest road in the state, U.S. 261, crosses Sumter County in its picturesque northwest sector, where sand hills crest to a breath-taking elevation of 372 feet above sea level!
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| The road still carries traffic from Pinewood by Poinsett Park to Stateburg and Hagood, but it is now dwarfed by giant interstates that flank the area. |
Sumter is in the heart of a triangle formed by I-95,I-20 and I-26. U.S. Highways 76, 378, 15, 401 and 521 serve local and through traffic to all points of the compass.
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| Climate |
| The climate in the Shaw area is relatively mild and humid. The Appalachian Mountains, about 175 miles to the northwest, frequently hinder the approach of unseasonably cold weather in the winter, but have little effect on the summer heat. Spring is the most changeable season of the year. Temperatures vary from an occasional cold snap in March to warm and pleasant in May. |
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Average temperatures range from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While hail and tornadoes are infrequent, they are more likely to occur in the spring. Long summers are prevalent, with the warm weather usually lasting from May into September. The average midsummer temperature ranges from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer is the rainiest season of the year, with frequent mid-afternoon and early evening thunderstorm activity.
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| Hurricanes occasionally sweep through the Sumter/Shaw area and may occur between April and December. The last major hurricane was in 2006. |
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The Southeastern portion of the United States is noted for its mild year-round climate, and South Carolina is one of those rare states that has the Atlantic Ocean to the east and mountains to the west. As noted before, historic Charleston, S.C., is less than 100 miles from Shaw’s front gate, while Savannah, Ga., equally famous for its colorful history, is only 2.5 hours due south. Atlanta is just four hours by car.
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The state’s most popular recreational area, Myrtle Beach and the “Grand Strand,” with more than 10 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches and glamorous beachfront hotels, provides a great idea for a weekend getaway.
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Because of its ideal location and beautiful year-round climate, you’ll find the state of South Carolina offers something for everyone. Freshwater lakes abound and the bass fishing is some of the finest in the Southeast. There are also hundreds of exceptional golf courses throughout the state, challenging even the most accomplished golfer.
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| Columbia |
Columbia can boast that is was the first city, as well as the first-planned capital, in America. The city was named for Christopher Columbus and was founded March 26, 1786, as the center of government, education, and commerce in the Palmetto State. Today, the Columbia Metropolitan Area is home to over 200 years of history, beautiful Lake Murray, the University of South Carolina, and numerous festivals and recreational opportunities. The Greater Columbia area is a great place to live, work, raise a family.
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Columbia offers beautiful weather, reasonable tax base and home values, excellent schools, easy access to the beaches and mountains! The capital is approximately 45 miles west of Shaw or about an hour drive.
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| Charleston |
For the sixteenth year in a row, readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine have choosen Charleston as a Top 10 travel destination in the U.S. Charleston was honored with a No. 2 slot - topped only by San Francisco.
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More than 70 buildings in Charleston pre-date the Revolutionary War and much of the distinguishable architecture in the area reflects this unison with the area’s history. Indeed, Charleston appreciates its historical importance and the past is critical to life, commerce and enjoyment in Charleston.
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There is no better example than a simple walk through historic Charleston along the waterfront where Fort Sumter can be viewed. Scenic boat tours are available to the man-made fortress where the Civil War was launched. Charleston’s historic district has stood the test of time and remains one of the south’s cultural centers. In fact, the historic district has been referred to as a walking museum, where visual recognition and education opportunities abound. The Battery is a sight to behold along with the city’s many museums, art galleries, theaters, markets and churches.
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| Today, the second largest city in South Carolina behind only Columbia, Charleston is home to more than 100,000 people. Located just over 100 miles southwest of Sumter, Charleston sits on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean and offers plenty of activites for the family.(^top of section) |
| Greenville |
Greenville sits among the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest corner of South Carolina, Greenville’s vibrant community welcomes visitors to experience breathtaking views and
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Southern charm at its finest. From the Liberty Bridge, a 355 foot pedestrian walkway overlooking the historic waterfalls nestled in the heart of downtown, to panoramic views from the mountains, the Greenville attractions are endless.
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Greenville is located 154 miles northwest of Sumter and offers your family all the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer including skiing, snowboarding and hiking.
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Greenville attractions are held at a number of venues throughout the city and are geared to entertain any interest that you may have, starting with beautiful Falls Park on the Reedy and the acclaimed Liberty Bridge, a 355 ft pedestrian walkway overlooking the historic waterfall. You can visit museums, galleries, the Greenville Zoo, as well as the famous Blue Ridge Mountains with pristine lakes and forested trails. Greenville also offers performing arts venues with a full calendar of plays and concerts throughout the year.
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| Myrtle Beach |
| Myrtle Beach was incorporated as a town in 1938 and became a city in 1957. Its name comes from the wax myrtle, a shrub that grows abundantly in the area. Our 25,000 permanent residents welcome millions of visitors to this full-service resort community. Guests come to enjoy the wide beaches, the Atlantic Ocean, and an incredible range of activities, entertainment, golf, shopping and dining. |
History records that the first tourists here were a party of Spaniards from Hispaniola, who landed about 50 miles north of present-day Myrtle Beach and, in 1526, eventually established the first European settlement in the U.S. about 30 miles to the south. That settlement, San Miguel de Guadalupe, was abandoned the following year, though, and the group returned to Hispaniola.
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In the next three centuries, the region’s population grew, but slowly. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, people began to “vacation” here, although it was quite rustic. Houses and camps were sparse, and there were only few permanent residents at the turn of the century. But, drawn by the ocean, sand and trees, people began to call Myrtle Beach “home” as the 1900s progressed.
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Today, Myrtle Beach is a well known destination for vacationers from around the country, Canada and abroad. According to the 2000 Census, the city is at the heart of the 13th fastest growing metropolitan area in the U.S.
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Myrtle Beach is located 94 miles East of Sumter and is a great destination for weekend or summer getaways to the beach! The city offers 60 miles of wide, soft sandy beaches, savory restaurants and family-friendly dining, amusement and water parks, live entertainment theaters and exciting nightlife, thrilling water sports,the best golf courses in the south, cultural activities and historic sites, outlet malls, specialty boutiques, flea markets, and specialty stores, freshwater, ocean and deep sea saltwater fishing and so much more!
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