South Carolina H 3961: Town of Ridgeville, 150th anniversary

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 3961 Text of Previous Version (Feb. 12, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 3961

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE TOWN OF 
RIDGEVILLE AT THE CELEBRATION OF ITS ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO 
HONOR THE TOWN FOR ITS RICH HISTORY AND GROWTH.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives 
are pleased to learn that the Town of Ridgeville is celebrating its 
sesquicentennial anniversary on February 23, 2025. The town has a rich history 
that dates back to the early nineteenth century; and

Whereas, named Ridgeville because it lies on a high ridge between 
Four Holes Swamp and Cypress Swamp, the town began to develop in the 1830s 
around the railroad as a small village surrounded by pine and oak forest; and

Whereas, established in 1831, it was one of the first stations on the 
South Carolina Railroad, which played a pivotal role in the town's development. 
Later, the village became the shipping point for a considerable portion of the 
Lowcountry; and

Whereas, in the mid-nineteenth century, Ridgeville became a 
significant center for religious gatherings. The Cypress Methodist Camp Ground, 
established in 1794, is one of the few remaining historic camps that still host 
week-long camp meetings annually. This camp ground, shaped like a rectangle of 
cabins known as "tents," surrounds an open-air tabernacle and has been 
recognized for its historical importance. Other notable churches are Cypress 
M.E. Church (1790s), Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church (1850), Bethel AME 
Church (1870), Zion Pilgrim Christian Church (1885), Cummins Chapel (1875), 
Ridgeville Baptist Church (1902), and St. John Missionary Baptist Church 
(1892); and

Whereas, the Town of Ridgeville was formally incorporated on February 
23, 1875, with L.C. Riggs as the first intendant (mayor). Clarence Hughes, the 
town's present mayor, has held that position since 2017; and

Whereas, throughout its long history, Ridgeville has maintained a 
commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and environment. The town 
continues to honor its historical roots while fostering a sense of community 
among its residents. Moreover, Ridgeville's motto, "A Little Town With a Big 
Future," has never been truer, with the town and surrounding areas experiencing 
renewed interest in residential, commercial, and industrial development. Now, 
therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South 
Carolina House of Representatives, by this 
resolution, congratulate the Town of Ridgeville at the celebration of its one hundred 
fiftieth anniversary and honor the town for its rich history and growth.

Be it further resolved that a copy 
of this resolution be presented to Mayor Clarence Hughes.

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This web page was last updated on February 12, 2025 at 11:01 AM