Orangeburg County Genealogy
- Formed 1769
- Parent district Original judicial district
- County seat Orangeburg
- Neighbors Aiken, Bamberg, Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Lexington
In-depth topics
Orangeburg County was formed in 1769 (Original judicial district). The county seat is Orangeburg. Neighboring counties include Aiken, Bamberg, Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Lexington.
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).
Orangeburg District was formed in 1769, however the name was used as far back as the 1730s for a settlement along the Edisto River. The district originally encompassed the counties of Lexington, Winton, Orange and Lewisburg. The county and it's county seat were named for the Prince of Orange (William IV) who was son-in-law of King George the second. Barnwell, Lexington, Aiken and Calhoun counties were all formed out of this district. (1800, 1804, 1871, and 1908 respectively.) Orangeburg county was the location of the Battle of Eutaw Springs in the Revolutionary War on September 8, 1781. The Battle of Eutaw Springs was the last major battle of that war in South Carolina. Cotton was a major product of the county in the years leading up to the Civil War. During the war Union troops under the command of General Sherman passed through Orangeburg County.
During the Civil Rights era, Orangeburg became known for what was called the "Orangeburg Massacre", during which several students were killed during a civil rights protest at South Carolina State University. Famous people from Orangeburg County include Eartha Kitt.
Orangeburg County SCGenweb site
Cemeteries
USGS listing of cemeteries in Orangeburg County
Query Forums
Cities and towns of Orangeburg County:
- Bowman
- Branchville
- Brookdale
- Cope
- Cordova
- Edisto
- Elloree
- Eutawville
- Holly Hill
- Livingston
- Neeses
- North
- Norway
- Orangeburg
- Rowesville
- Santee
- Springfield
- Vance
- Wilkinson Heights
- Woodford
History notes
Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg 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
Orangeburg County Courthouse
Orangeburg, South Carolina
https://www.orangeburgcounty.org/