DISCOVER - Jasper County Chamber of Commerce

DISCOVER JASPER COUNTY

Jasper County, the Gateway to the Lowcountry of South Carolina, is a land of diversity, opportunity and challenge. Interspersed among spreading moss covered oak trees, palmettos and thousands of acres of stately southern pine, thrives an active region of intense business and commerce, balanced against an appreciation for history, culture and just plain relaxation. The county is steeped in rich heritage dating back to the native American Indians. More recently, thousands of tourists, many of whom have chosen to relocate, enjoy the mild climate and the pleasant surroundings of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Named for Revolutionary War Hero Sergeant William Jasper, the county, covering 662 square miles, was formed in 1912 from neighboring Beaufort and Hampton counties.

It is ideally situated between the historic port cities of Charleston and Savannah. Access to these major shipping facilities, and their international airports, is made easier via Interstate 95, which has seven interchanges in Jasper County. Additionally, the County boasts four primary US highways, a north-south rail line for both freight and passenger service, and a 3,100 foot paved runway for private aircraft in Ridgeland, the county seat.

Recreational activities through out the year beckon the sports enthusiast to Jasper County. In addition to saltwater fishing, bodies of freshwater for fishing or kayaking include the Savannah, Tullifinny, Coosawhatchie, Pocotaligo and New rivers. The Savannah Wildlife Refuge is a protected environment ideal for the “camera hunter” to spot a wide variety of species including ducks, marsh hens and alligators. Jasper County is renowned as a sportsman’s paradise offering outstanding hunting for deer, turkeys, quail, doves, water fowl and other game. It boasts a large number of hunting clubs, some operated from ante bellum plantations. Just a stone’s throw away, on nearby Hilton Head Island, world class golf, tennis and resort opportunities abound.

The County owned Sergeant Jasper Park offers 132 acres of trails, picnic areas, fishing lakes, and will soon boast overnight RV and tent camping. Plans are underway to expand the trails, establish canoe or kayak waterways, and provide rustic cabins for week long stays in the park to enhance the enjoyment of the many species of waterfowl, reptiles, and native plants, all in an undisturbed wetland habitat.

A combination of public schools, private academies and nearby colleges reflects Jasper County’s sensitivity and commitment to education at all levels, including the refinement of workplace skills available through a neighboring technical college. A four year satellite campus for the University of South Carolina at the Jasper County line is now open. The estimated labor force within a 30 mile radius of the county’s geographic center numbers in excess of 200,000 people. Also, a fully developed infrastructure network assures water, sewer, electric power and telecommunications throughout the county and the region. Within 30 miles of the county center, five major hospitals can be accessed.

A 41 bed private hospital, Coastal Carolina Hospital, is now open.

Three major industrial parks host a panoply of industrial activities within the County. Building material fabrication, musical instrument manufacturing, food processing, bulk export and import products, and truck chassis manufacture are but a few of the many industrial employers in the County. In November of 1999, Jasper County reported an unemployment rate of 2.8% which is indicative of the health of the County’s economy. With the large labor force and each park sufficiently supplied with water, sewer, electric power, and superior roads, it is no surprise that Jasper County’s economic engine is running on all cylinders.

Jasper County is on the move, combining an exceptional balance of energized new businesses, progressive government and growing industries under the graceful bough of the live oak. It is a place of charm, dignity and genuine friendliness.