What is the Old 96 District?

Old 96 District is one of eleven tourism regions across South Carolina, nestled in the Upper Western part of the state. Our region covers the counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick, home to amazing outdoor adventures, a haven for history buffs and the location of the most remarkable attractions and places of interest. Come see our miles and miles of hiking, biking and walking trails. Or paddle board across one of our pristine freshwater lakes. Visit our communities that are steeped in small town charm!

Abbeville County

Abbeville County has a rich and colorful history tracing back to the 1700s, best known for its authentic opera house and vintage shopping experiences. The city of Abbeville’s streets mixes colorful streets with vintage architecture and churches, evoking images similar to Charleston for many visitors. The area also is rich in farmland and nature, most notably Calhoun Falls State Park.

Edgefield County

Edgefield County is known across the United States for its stoneware pottery. Dave the Potter was the mastermind behind this beautiful art form, and many of his pieces can be seen in the Smithsonian. Edgefield, SC is famously the birthplace of 10 South Carolina governors and home to the largest peach farm east of the Mississippi River. South Carolina actually produces more peaches than Georgia! It is also home to the headquarters of the National Wild Turkey Federation along with the Winchester Museum, the only wild turkey museum in the world.

Greenwood County

Greenwood County features a unique blend of historical gems and timeless natural delights. Lake Greenwood State Park is a popular attraction. Other attractions that draw travelers include the Ninety Six National Historic Site, a Revolutionary War battleground, several unique farms, locally-owned shopping, great cuisine offerings and award-winning festivals.

Laurens County

Laurens County is home to an important Revolutionary War battle-the Battle of Musgrove Mill, located outside of Clinton, SC, off Interstate 26. This site is now a State Park with beautiful trails and occasionally hosts living history reenactments. Laurens County also shares part of Lake Greenwood and is a haven for outdoor activity. Many scenic and interesting trails, including part of the Palmetto Trail, can be found throughout the county. Laurens County is also home to several farms, antique shops, and other hidden gems.

McCormick County

McCormick County is often called the gateway to outdoor adventure. The county has 3 State Parks, and several championship golf courses along the lake. Hickory Knob State Resort Park, the only South Carolina Park which is also a resort, joins Baker Creek State Park and Hamilton Branch State Park as other places on the water. The area is a diverse collection of communities connected by a historic rail line that winds its way through the county.The McCormick Arts Center at the Keturah preserves and displays of local crafting legacy and artists in their building.

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Featured attractions, itineraries, deep dives into our favorite destinations, and more.

What We Do

Our mission is to support the tourism industry in Old 96 District (and South Carolina as a whole) by promoting the unique experiences, attractions, and businesses of our area! We help spread the word on our favorite places so that prospective visitors can get informed and excited, and local business owners can keep doing what they do best.

Why is it Called Old 96 District?

There are many legends and folktales about where the name might have come from, but the most likely answer is that the town of Ninety Six (located within our region) was 96 miles down the Cherokee Path from Keowee, a major Cherokee town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This became the center for a colonial judicial district, which we eventually got our name from!