Berkeley County Municipalities

Moncks Corner

This colonial trading post took its name from landowner Thomas Monk.  The town, which dates back to 1738, lies on the southeast corner of what was once known as Mitton Plantation.  In the early days, Moncks Corner had four taverns and six stores.  Planters from all over would bring their crops to town, sell them for cash or exchange them for good, dine at one of the taverns, then return home.   In 1856, the Northeaster Railroad came to town, laying its tracks over portions of the former Mitton and Fairlawn Plantations.  Five acres were set aside to build a depot, which still stands today, at the center of a “new” Moncks Corner.

Today, Moncks Corner has a population of over 6,000.  The town is the county seat of Berkeley County.  The town houses the Berkeley County Administration Building, Santee Cooper Power has built a state-of-the-art high rise office complex, and two of the areas largest medical conglomerates have built facilities in the area.  The Moncks Corner Fire Department  recently acquired a new, state-of-the-art fire engine comparable to ones found in “big” cities. Citizens of Moncks Corner and nearby Pinopolis enjoy year-round activities including boating, swimming, waterskiing, hunting and fishing. 

Jamestown

This historic French Huguenot settlement on the Santee River was founded in 1685, although the town was not officially incorporated until 1957. The French Huguenots, known to be peaceful, industrious people, served God faithfully.  They sold indigo, rice, turpentine and pitch.  The region surrounding Jamestown later became known as French Santee.  Jamestown prides itself on the strong Huguenot influence, faith and valor which became a rich part of the area’s culture.    

Now home of the infamous Hell Hole Swamp Festival, Jamestown residents enjoy their quaint little town.

St. Stephen

This quiet town, located 15 miles north of Moncks Corner, has a population of approximately 1,825 residents.  Major industries, such as Albany International, Georgia Pacific and Smith Enterprises, proudly call St. Stephen their home.

One of the most popular and infamous sites in St. Stephen is the St. Stephen Episcopal Church, constructed between 1767 and 1769.  Revenue from the prosperous indigo market funded the construction of this historic building, which replaced a small wooden frontier chapel.  Visitors from around the world revel in the quality of its beautiful masonry.  William Axson, a member of the Wambaw Lodge of Freemasons, and Supervisors A. Howard and Francis Villeponteaux inscribed their signatures on the east wall above the chancel window.  These signatures have been carefully preserved and can still be viewed today.  St. Stephen Episcopal Church earned the distinction of being named a National Historic Landmark. Today, the church has an active congregation and still conducts weekly worship services.

Bonneau

The Town of Bonneau, best known for the Bonneau Ferry, is home to the site of Berkeley County’s first high school.  Back in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the town landscape included a railroad station, livery stable, blacksmith shop, turpentine still, sawmill, school, bank and two cotton gins.

Now a small family community with a population of about 425, Bonneau lies seven miles north of Moncks Corner.  This quiet community prides itself on its variety of churches and denominations.  The area is surrounded by the Francis Marion National Forest and a portion of the SC Palmetto Trail.  This trail has become a popular walking, biking and camping destination for both locals and nature enthusiasts from around the United States.

Bonneau Town Hall
420 Municipal Lane
Bonneau, SC 29431
Phone: 843-825-3385

Goose Creek

This historic community prides itself on retaining its small town character.  Founded in the late 1600’s, the early city of Goose Creek experienced many hardships.  In fact, the city remained virtually undeveloped after the Civil War.  Then, after World War II, the military recognized the benefit of investing in Goose Creek.  As the U.S. Navy, Army and Air Force bases began to flourish, secondary industries began to re-locate and expand into the area.

Today, the 30,000 citizens of Goose Creek enjoy living in a small community but experiencing the benefits and resources of a larger metropolitan area.  In 2000, the Census reported the median household income was $45,919, higher than the state and national averages.  Approximately 18% of Goose Creek households report a median income of over $80,000.

Prospering industries, including DuPont, Alcoa and Google, have prompted a rise in the demand for housing.  In 2004, the average price of a new home in Goose Creek was $185,800.

Goose Creek Town Hall
519 North Goose Creek Blvd.
Goose Creek, SC 29445
Phone: 843-797-6220
Website: www.cityofgoosecreek.com

Hanahan

World War II fostered the birth of the City of Hanahan.  When the war began, the influx of military personnel contributed to a significant housing shortage in the area.  During this time, the U.S. Army acquired land around Yeamans Hall Road as an Army base.  Barracks and even a hospital were soon constructed.  At the conclusion of WWII, the federal government auctioned off its land as surplus property, and locals embraced the opportunity to invest.

The City of Hanahan incorporated in 1973.  Over the past decade, revitalization efforts have changed the face of Hanahan.  Currently experiencing a population boom, this city of 14,000 expects to more than double its number of residents over the next several years.  Hanahan is conveniently located minutes away from the Port of Charleston, and the surrounding cities of North Charleston and Mount Pleasant.