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Sumter CVB
Sumter CVB - Sumter, SC
Sumter has a colorful history stretching back more than 300 years.
In the 1740's, the first English-speaking settlers arrived to establish roots along the banks of the Wateree River. The "Carolina Backcountry," as it was then known, became a predominantly agricultural area called Craven County, later Claremont County. Sumter District was established on January 1, 1800. When the state capital was moved from Charleston in 1786, Statesburg, located on US 76/378, missed being elected the new capital by one vote. According to tradition, Statesburg was also considered as the location for the United States Military Academy, now at West Point. In 1912, the city of Sumter became the first city in the United States to successfully adopt the council-manager form of government. It is still in effect today.
Sumter's council-manager government combines the political leadership of elected officials in the form of a seven-member City Council headed by the Mayor, with the strong managerial experience of an appointed City Manager, who serves as the chief administrative and executive officer of the city.
