Camden is a town that's very proud of its history. The fourth oldest city in South Carolina, Camden was established in 1732 by a decree from King George II. It served as a Revolutionary War battleground, became prosperous in the 1800s, milling and trading wheat. By the 20th century it was a resort town full of polo ponies and horse racing.
At the Camden Archives and Museum, visitors have the chance to see a diverse collection of artifacts from Camden's long and storied history.
Housed in elegant wood and glass cases, the artifacts range from 17th century Bibles to a Civil War-era company headquarters flag. Some other special items on display include a fascinating medicine chest from a Camden doctor practicing in 1815 and a hanging rope that was used for executing Camden's 19th century criminals. The original town clockworks also is on view. The clockworks, built in around 1825, is one of the oldest working clockworks in the country and its consistent tick-tock underscores your visit to the museum.
The Camden Archives also is one of the best genealogical resources in the state. If you are researching your South Carolina ancestry, chances are the books, microfilm, records and helpful staff at the Camden Archives can help you find out more about your family's past.
The Camden Archives and Museum is at 1314 Broad St. in downtown Camden. Click here for more information on the Camden Archives and Museum.
