Discover Orangeburg: Gardens, Museums and City History

Orangeburg combines a historic botanical garden on the Edisto River with museums, city history and a municipal airport. Several distinct themes can help you plan your trip: roses and wetlands, art and a planetarium, and the history of the civil rights movement. A historic district and Sunnyside Cemetery also offer insights into different periods in the city’s past.

Edisto Memorial Gardens: Roses and Wetlands

Edisto Memorial Gardens is a historic botanical garden with wetlands and riverside green spaces on the Edisto River in Orangeburg. The gardens include around 4,800 rose plants and more than 120 labeled varieties. The riverbank, wetlands and rose collection each offer a different botanical and landscape focus.

In Horne Wetland Park within the Gardens, a 2,600-foot boardwalk winds through a typical tupelo-cypress wetland. While the roses highlight botanical diversity, the boardwalk takes you through the wetland landscape. Together, these features give you a clear sense of the Gardens’ range of attractions.

The Orangeburg Festival of Roses has been held at Edisto Memorial Gardens since it was founded in 1972 and takes place annually on the weekend before Mother’s Day. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the specific event dates in advance.

Museums and Cultural Sites

The I.P. Stanback Museum & Planetarium at South Carolina State University was established in 1980. It combines an art museum with a planetarium on the campus of a historically Black college or university (HBCU). Its collections include African American and African art and artifacts, as well as fine art and photographs. The institution brings together distinct collection themes with its additional function as a planetarium.

The Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum explores the history of segregation. On-site and through virtual reality tours, visitors can see, read about and interactively learn about the events and people who experienced life under segregation. Visits are by appointment only; the museum offers self-guided tours. Be sure to schedule an appointment before your visit.

The restored Stevenson Auditorium is a civic event venue that hosts a range of events. Unlike the museums, whose collections are the main focus, this site centers on a building designed for events.

City History and Historic Buildings

Orangeburg was founded in 1704 by merchant George Sterling, who was a trader with Native Americans. The city center includes a historic district with 44 buildings dating from the late 19th century. Sunnyside Cemetery has been part of Orangeburg’s history since it was established in 1886 and has been owned by the city since 1938.

These dates mark different milestones: the city’s founding, a collection of buildings from the late 19th century, and the history of a cemetery that has belonged to the city since 1938. This makes it possible to distinguish Orangeburg’s founding, historic architecture and another part of the city’s history.

Getting Your Bearings

For a sense of location: Orangeburg Municipal Airport is owned and operated by the City of Orangeburg and is located two miles south of the city center. It has two runways for piston- and jet-powered aircraft. This location refers to the city center; the city’s other attractions range from gardens on the Edisto River to museums and historic sites.

Discover more destinations: Santee.

View the broader travel guide: Orangeburg County.