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In
the heat of battle during a Revolutionary War skirmish in
South Carolina, a young American soldier performed a brave
act. Seeing that the South Carolina flag had fallen to the
ground, he leapt over the wall of the fort, secured the flag
and then safely returned to his post to fight gallantly with
his company.
This
simple, brave action brought notoriety to Sergeant William
Jasper. It should not go unnoticed that the people of this
spirited and independent county at the southern tip of South
Carolina chose Sergeant Jasper as their namesake. The deed
for which he has been immortalized seems to symbolize both
the simple hardiness of the land and the rugged spirit of
the people who inhabit it.
Important
moments in history are permanently etched into historic sites
still visible in Jasper County. Valuable archeological digs
date the history of the area back to ancient Indian times,
while the site of an early Swiss settlement stands as a reminder
of pre-colonial days.
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A
Revolutionary War statesman and signer of the Declaration of
Independence lived and died in Jasper County, and Civil War
heroes fought here for their respective causes.
Jasper County is a part of the South Carolina Lowcountry, renowned
worldwide for its unique history and natural assets. Neighbor
to both the old-world ports of Savannah and Charleston, and
thriving resorts such as Hilton Head Island on the Beaufort
County coast, Jasper County has somehow managed to retain the
simple, original flavor of the lowcountry. Simultaneously, the
county has found itself in an ideal position to taste the benefits
of progress. Through the years, Jasper County has become known
as a sportsman's paradise. Its 662 square miles are dotted with
a number of hunting clubs and plantation grounds housing large
populations of wildlife. From ducks to alligators to marsh hens,
the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is the home of an amazing
variety of wild species. And, Jasper County’s long border
on the Savannah River, its fresh water lakes and salt water
rivers all make perfect hunting, fishing and recreational areas. |
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Formed
in 1912, Jasper County is South Carolina’s third youngest
county, but has since grown to a population of around 16,000.
Ridgeland, the town once known as Gopher Hill, serves as the
county seat at the geographic center of the county. Both Ridgeland
and Hardeeville are located on the vital north-south transportation
artery of Interstate 95.
Traditionally
the economy of Jasper County has been based on agriculture,
the production of forest products, row crops, vegetables and
livestock and is still a way of life for many residents. The
County’s fertile soil, mild climate and abundant groundwater
also offer potential for alternative agricultural enterprises
such as kiwi fruit and catfish production. Changing times
have brought tourism and other industries to the forefront.
There is a readily available labor force in the Jasper county
area.
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