In 1877, Hampton County, 513 square miles of pristine countryside, was carved from the northwestern portion of what was known as the Beaufort District. As a result of an act of the South Carolina legislature, Hampton County was officially established and named in honor of the renowned General of the Confederacy, Wade Hampton, then serving as Governor of South Carolina.

The county seat was located on land donated by private citizens near the area known as “Hoover’s Station”. Construction of the courthouse, which is in use today, was begun on December 23, 1879. In 1978, the year of Hampton County’s 100th birthday, the courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Hampton County is conveniently located approximately 75 miles west of Charleston, 50 miles north of Savannah, 60 miles northwest of Hilton Head and 90 miles south of Columbia. The county is easily reached via U.S. 301 and I-95. U.S. 321, 278 and 601 cross the county.

Cities/Towns in Hampton County – Brunson, Crocketville, Early Branch, Estill, Furman, Garnett, Gifford, Hampton, Luray, Miley, Scotia, Varnville and Yemassee. The population of Hampton County is 21,386 according to the 2000 Census.

The Hampton County Courthouse and Other Facilities Advisory Commission is currently working on plans for renovation of the courthouse and other county buildings.