Sumter is a city in Sumter County, South Carolina. During the Civil War, the town was an important supply center for the Confederacy. After the war, Sumter prospered and grew, as its large railroad network supplied the country with cotton, timber, and by the start of the 20th century, tobacco. The charming historic old town is the witness of Sumter’s illustrious history. Swan Lake Iris Gardens was established in 1927 as a private fishing lake. It is today a beautiful garden with a range of blooming plants and rich wildlife. The historic Sumter Opera House is the focal point of the city downtown and a center for the performing arts. Located in a beautiful Edwardian mansion, the Sumter County Museum is great place to learn Sumter’s history. The Sumter Gallery of Art is a non-profit community organization that presents and promotes the visual arts and provides art education to Sumter and neighboring communities.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens

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Sumter Opera House

© Sumter Opera House