Communities

Moncks Corner

As to the origin of the name, many historians agree that the early trading center, dating back to 1738, took its name from landowner Thomas Monk. The town developed on the southeast corner of the Mitton Plantation. In early days, it was more of a trading post than a town. There were three or four taverns, and five or six stores. The usual practice of the area’s Santee River planter was to take his crops to Moncks Corner, sell them, receive cash or goods in exchange, dine and return home in the afternoon. It was not until 1856 when the Northeaster Railroad laid its tracks over portions of former Mitton and Fairlawn Plantations, then land owned by Iley Coleman, that five acres were set aside for a depot and the center of a new Moncks Corner.

The town today has a population of over 6,000 people with two medical facilities, Santee Cooper’s modern high-rise office complex, and is the Berkeley County seat. The citizens of Moncks Corner and the nearby area Pinopolis enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, swimming, skiing, hunting and fishing. The town hall is located on Carolina Avenue with the fire department next door. The living around Moncks Corner is quiet and easy, enjoyed by everyone.

Jamestown

Jamestown is known for its rich heritage as the first French Huguenot settlement on the Santee River beginning in 1685. Jamestown has enjoyed a colorful history. The town was established in 1705 several miles down river from its present location. Jamestown was not incorporated until 1957. The town hall is located on SC highway 41 in Jamestown.

The French Huguenots were a peaceful, industrious people, serving God faithfully in the wilderness. They gained wealth by marketing indigo, rice, and such naval stores as turpentine and pitch. The region around the Jamestown settlement became known as French Santee. None of the 13 original colonies received a stronger infusion of Huguenot blood, faith and valor than South Carolina.

St. Stephen

St. Stephen is a quiet town located on Hood Street in northern Berkeley County, 15 miles from Moncks Corner. The estimated population is 1,825 people. Major employers are Albany International, Georgia Pacific, and Smith Enterprises.

St. Stephen Episcopal Church was constructed between 1767 and 1769. Built with money from the prosperous indigo market, it replaced a small wooden frontier chapel on the same site. One of the most interesting aspects of its construction is its masonry; inscribed on the east wall above the chancel window by William Axson, a member of Wambaw Lodge of Freemasons. Supervisors A. Howard and Francis Villeponteaux also left their signatures. After years of decline, several renovation efforts were mounted and today this National Historic Landmark is the site of weekly services.

Bonneau

The Town of Bonneau was settled where the road from Bonneau Ferry came to the railroad. By the end of the 1800’s, a farming community had developed around the Bonneau station of the Atlantic Coastline Railroad. At one time, the town had a railroad station, a livery stable, blacksmith shop, turpentine still, sawmill, school, bank and two cotton gins. In fact, Berkeley County’s first high school was located within the Town of Bonneau.

A small family community with a population of approximately 425 people, the Town is located seven miles north of Moncks Corner. It is a quiet and safe community with a variety of churches and denominations.

The Town is surrounded by the Francis Marion National Forest, which includes a small portion of the SC Palmetto Walking Trail, which is used for walking, biking, camping and exploring the vast variety of scenic culture.

Hanahan

Hanahan as a community predates WWII. When World War II began, an influx of civil and military people into the Charleston area caused a housing shortage. Around this time, the army started using land around Yeamans Hall Road as an army base. Army barracks were constructed and even a hospital was built on the site that is now Kelly-Bessinger Park. After the war ended, the federal government began auctioning off the land as surplus property. Thus the area began to develop very quickly.

Since the days of WWII, Hanahan has grown into a beautiful community. The city incorporated in 1973, and hasn’t looked back. Almost all of our facilities have been replaced in the last ten years to a more modern and serviceable environment. We are currently in a growth boom. Our population currently is about 14,000 and we expect to almost double that in the next few years. With the great location, close to the port, surrounded by the larger cities, and having great schools, Hanahan is a place of priority to live. We hope to keep it that way.

Goose Creek

The City of Goose Creek is a historic community dedicated to retaining a small town character. The Goose Creek area has drawn residents seeking a new way of life since the late 1600’s. Today, the City is home to over 30,000 citizens who enjoy the benefits of living in a quiet community near the resources of a larger metropolitan area.

Goose Creek residents are prospering, as reported in the 2000 Census. The median household income was $45,919, which is higher than both the state and national averages. Approximately 18% of City households report a median household income over $75,000.

New home construction has risen sharply, with an increase from 244 new housing starts in 2003 to 505 permits in 2005. The average price of a new home in 2004 was approximately $185,800.