History & Heritage

General Thomas Sumter served in the South Carolina Militia during the Revolutionary War — earning the nickname “the Gamecock” for his fierce fighting style — and was later elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, where he served from 1801 to 1810.

Gen. Thomas Sumter was one of three people used as a model for Mel Gibson’s character in the 2000 blockbuster film The Patriot!

Ever since Sumter was carved from the South Carolina Backcountry in 1800, African-Americans have represented approximately one-half the total population. From this diversity has risen a rich shared history, with our African-American citizens leading the way for the nation with singular accomplishments in government, military, education, sports, and more.

• McLeod Bethune was born County near the town of Mayesville. From a humble beginning, went on to greatness, starting a in Florida and serving as an to five US presidents.

Mary McLeod Bethune’s entire long life was marked by her complete commitment to education. Learn about her legacy at the Mary McLeod Bethune Learning Center & Art Gallery in Mayesville. 35 N Main St. (803) 453-6161.

• Morris College - In 1908, the State Baptist Education and Missionary Convention of South Carolina founded Morris College, Sumter’s first and only historically black college (HBC) and is still open today. Notable alumni of the college include Dr. Leroy Bowman, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, Freedom Rider Herman Harris, and writer Arthenia J. Bates-Millican, National Endowment for the Arts fellow and protégée of Langston Hughes. The campus is located at 100 West College St.

• Historic Lincoln Center - The Lincoln School was founded in 1874 for Sumter’s AfricanAmerican students. Lincoln High School merged with Edmunds High School to become Sumter High School which moved to its current location on McCray’s Mill Rd. in 1983. The Museum opened in 2013 and features historic artifacts. The Center is also used for a variety of meetings and events, including educational programs and forums. The Center was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. The Lincoln Center is located at 20-26 Council St.

• Historic Lincoln Center - The Lincoln School was founded in 1874 for Sumter’s African American students. Lincoln High School merged with Edmunds High School to become Sumter High School which moved to its current location on McCray’s Mill Rd. in 1983. The Museum opened in 2013 and features historic artifacts. The Center is also used for a variety of meetings and events, including educational programs and forums. The Center was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. The Lincoln Center is located at 20-26 Council St.

• Sumter hosts a number of historic churches that have significance to our community and have played a vital role in our diverse heritage. Most of these churches can be viewed from the outside at any time, but please call ahead to confirm that your visit will not disrupt any service.

1st Lieutenant Ervin David Shaw

First Lieutenant Ervin David Shaw was a World War I fighter pilot and a Sumter resident.

Known affectionately as “Molly” as a result of his frequent use of the phrase “Hot tamale!” Shaw initially enlisted with the US Army, but was later commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Service.

Shaw perished on July 9, 1918 when his aircraft was shot down by German forces. He is buried at Regina Trench Cemetery in France, where he became the first and only American Airman laid to rest there.

The Sumter Opera House

A state-of-the-art facility with a rich and intriguing past.

The original Sumter Opera House was destroyed by a fire in December 1892 and was rebuilt to its present form from 1893-1895. Throughout the years, the Opera House has been used as a concert venue, movie theater, and even the city jail.

In addition to its status as an entertainment destination for Sumter and the surrounding areas, the Sumter Opera House is also home to Sumter City Hall.

The Sumter Military Museum, located at 129 S. Harvin St., is a mustvisit for anyone interested in the military history of the area. Many military members retire here to enjoy Sumter and the connection between veterans, active duty, and civilians. Call (803) 469-7827 to book a tour.

The Sumter County Museum features four areas that highlight the rich history of Sumter. Start with the elegant WilliamsBrice House, where you can see fine arts exhibits, learn about our namesake, Thomas Sumter, the importance of CocaCola in Sumter, and more. Stroll across the lawn to our Carolina Backcountry Homestead. This recreated homestead plays host to our living history events. The Heritage Education Center was built in 2003 as a facility to host programs, classes, and traveling exhibits. These areas are located at 22 N. Washington St.

Significant Figures

Sumter is home to countless residents who have shaped our history. Just a few of these remarkable people are:

• Tuskegee Airmen Willie Ashley, Leroy Bowman, J. Philip Rembert, and Emmett Rice, who dared the skies as heroes in World War II.

• Bill Pinkney of the Drifters, the WWII veteran who helped bring Carolina “Beach Music” to the world, helping to define an era. Enjoy a walk or a picnic at Willie “Bill” Pinkney Community Park, located near his birthplace in the town of Dalzell.

• Country music artist, Lee Brice who recently made a hometown stop to play to thousands at Sumter’s Patriot Park

• Prominent voices for Civil Rights, including James Felder, James T. “Nooker” McCain, Ernest Finney, Jr., Dora McDonald, and others.

• Basketball Hall of Famer Ray Allen, Superbowl champ Freddie Solomon of the San Francisco 49ers, World Series MVP, Yankees second baseman, Bobby Richardson, and 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year, Ja Morant