We're Happy You're Here

Chester County has a little of everything when it comes to tourism. Whether you enjoy camping, hiking, biking, swimming, hunting, fishing, visiting historic sites, or just plain relaxing, odds are you will find Chester County the perfect place to visit. The county's rural setting is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and there are several places to visit quickly for short day-trips.

The County's historical past traces its roots to before the American Revolution. Several historic battles and skirmishes were fought in and around Chester County making it a hotbed for Revolutionary War buffs. During the 1800s the County was a center of industry and trade and the area was known for its large landowners and plantations. During the Civil War, Chester County sent many of its young men to fight in the War Between the States but also became known for its post-war reconstruction - including the formation of the Brainerd Institute which became a well-known center for educating both poor African-American and white citizens of the County.

During the late 1800s and well into the 20th Century, Chester County, like many counties in North and South Carolina became centers for the textile industry. The links to the textile industry are just as strong as ever today with Springs Industries, one of the largest textile producers in the world, operating several facilities in and around Chester County.

With a location between the growing metropolitan area of Charlotte, North Carolina (only 30 minutes to the north) and South Carolina's capitol city Columbia to the south (only 40 minutes away), Chester County is ideally situated for growth - both in terms of new citizens wishing to live in the County's country charm and for business with an excellent highway and rail transportation system in place.

The following is a short overview of the County's history and the many varied tourism opportunities that await you as a visitor or resident of Chester County. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact us at the Chester Chamber of Commerce - we'd love to visit with you!

Location

Located in the north-central section of South Carolina, Chester County is convenient to both Charlotte, North Carolina (30 minutes North) and Columbia, South Carolina (40 minutes South). The County is less than a 2 hour drive to the Blue Ridge Mountains to the West and the Atlantic coastline is less than 3 hour drive to the east. The Catawba River forms the County's eastern border while the Broad River serves as its Western border. Cutting through the east-central section of the state near the towns of Chester, Great Falls, Richburg and Lowrys is Interstate 77. I-77 is a major north-south trade route that connects with Interstate 85 in Charlotte (30 minutes North); Interstate 40 (1 hour North); Interstate 20 (30 minutes South); and Interstate 26 (40 minutes South). In addition, the County's rail system is perhaps the best in the state for new and existing business. Both CSX and Norfolk-Southern operate lines in the County and the County is home to the Lancaster & Chester Railway - one of the finest short-line railways in the U.S. L&C connects Chester with Lancaster, South Carolina, operating an east-west rail line with connections to both CSX and Norfolk-Southern lines. L&C has been a leader in attracting new industry for the area. For more maps of Chester County and its towns and cities click here.

In addition to Interstate 77, South Carolina Highway 9 is currently undergoing improvements which will make it a four-lane divided highway from the Lancaster County line near Richburg, across Interstate 77, to the City of Chester. Many of the County's industries are located along this corridor which also has access to the L&C rail lines.

Access to airports is also convenient. The Chester County airport can accommodate small corporate aircraft with its 5,000-foot runway and new terminal building. Commercial travelers have access to nearby Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which serves as a hub for USAir ways, is less than a 45 minute drive from Chester County. Charlotte-Douglas operates over 500 flights per day with all major airlines serving the facility.

The Region

Chester County…The Best of Both Worlds

Residents of Chester County truly have the best of both worlds. The County's small towns include the County seat of Chester, and the smaller incorporated communities of Richburg, Great Falls, Lowrys and Fort Lawn. All offer a low cost of living, a rural setting and less than a 30 minute drive to the Charlotte Metropolitan Area. Ideally situated, these communities offer Chester Countians an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and small town living while frequenting all of the cultural and entertainment endeavors offered by America's 20th largest city.

At first glance, Chester County appears the picture perfect panorama of South Carolina's lush, green piedmont countryside. But a simple glance will not reveal the true nature of this economically and culturally vibrant area. Good things, exciting things are happening. Chester County is truly emerging as one of the best places in South Carolina and the Charlotte Region to live and do business.

Did You Know

That Chester County has been the site of several movies and television shows including scenes of downtown Chester in the popular "In the Heat of the Night" TV series starring Carroll O'Connor

Most recently, many scenes of the major motion picture "The Patriot" starring Mel Gibson were filmed in Chester County and surrounding areas.