Hampton County Genealogy
- Formed 1878
- Parent district Beaufort
- County seat Hampton
- Neighbors Allendale, Beaufort, Colleton, Jasper
Hampton County was formed in 1878 (Beaufort). The county seat is Hampton. Neighboring counties include Allendale, Beaufort, Colleton, Jasper.
Use the research panels below for modern starting points—government contacts, census, vital records, cemeteries—and read the legacy narrative for local history notes and older link collections (some updated).
Hampton County was formed in 1878 from Beaufort County. It was named for Confederate General and Governor Wade Hampton. The county was created shortly after Wade Hampton became Governor. Allendale and Jasper Counties were formed from parts of Hampton County. (1912 Jasper/ 1919 Allendale) Many planters fled from the Union Occupation of Beaufort County to the area that became Hampton County during the Civil War. There were skirmishes in the area between Confederates and Gen. Sherman's army.
Hampton County Historical Society
Hampton County Courthouse
201 Jackson Street, W
County Courthouse
Hampton, SC 29924
Cemeteries
Query Forums
Cities and towns of Hampton County:
- Barkersville
- Blake
- Brighton
- Brunson
- Crocketville
- Early Branch
- Estill
- Fechtig
- Furman
- Gardens Corner
- Garnett
- Gifford
- Grays
- Hampton (County Seat)
- Luray
- Miley
- Nixville
- Pocataligo
- Robertville
- Salkehatchie
- Scotia
- Shirley
- Varnville
- White Hall
- Yemassee
History notes
Hampton County's documentary trail follows South Carolina's district-to-county evolution. When searching before county formation, check parent districts and neighboring counties for deeds, estates, and tax lists.
Research starting points
Census
Federal census schedules (and some state/colonial substitutes) are foundational for Hampton County household reconstruction. Start with every decade the family should appear, then correlate with land and probate.
Vital records
South Carolina statewide vital registration is comparatively late. For many Hampton County families you will rely on a mix of county probate, church registers, Bible records, newspapers, and delayed birth certificates—not only a single “vital records office” file.
Cemeteries
Cemetery surveys for Hampton County appear in published books, Find a Grave, USGenWeb archives, and local historical society vertical files. Always note whether a reading is complete or partial.
Courthouse & contacts
Hampton County Courthouse
Hampton, South Carolina
https://www.hamptoncountysc.org/