Laurens, the county seat, is located in northwestern South Carolina close to where Interstate 385 from Greenville joins Interstate 26. Laurens was once known for its trade of tailor-made clothes. Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, came to Laurens in 1824 and established a tailor shop on the town square. By 1840, the area was booming and the local landmark courthouse on the square was built.

In 2005, Laurens was highlighted in The Learning Channel’s Town Haul series. During the filming, several projects completed included a park, a barbershop, a teen club and amphitheater. Points of interest include the Charles Duckett House (c. 1895) with collections and displays of early African American life in Laurens County; the Dunklin House, one of the oldest homes in the city and listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the Bethel A.M.E. Church, a Romanesque Revival church built around 1910; and the Artist's Coop, a gallery featuring original works of local artists. Events include Squealin’ on the Square, an annual barbeque held in October.