History

Europeans went to the Bethune region in the early 1800s, and around then the Kadapa Indians occupied the region. Bethune was initially known as Lynch wood when a mailing station was set up there in 1828.

At the point when the railroad resulted in these present circumstances region, it crossed property having a place with Daniel Murdock Bethune. At the point when the contract for the town was given in 1900, the town’s name was changed from Lynch wood to Bethune to pay tribute to Daniel M. Bethune. Mr. Bethune was one of the pioneer men of the Bethune region, which was prevailing of Scottish drop. Today you can track down a Scottish graveyard among Bethune and Cassatt. Scottish Cemetery, situated on US Highway 1 South external Bethune, has been the last resting place for neighborhood residents since the last part of the 1700s. The historical backdrop of encompassing networks is reflected in the names carved on the essences of the soapstone gravestones.

On key position encompassed by the waters of Lynches River and Little Lynches River, Bethune is a calm town where go of-the-century Southern appeal rules. Train tracks run next to Bethune Town Hall as a token of the rail’s significance to this stop on the Seaboard Railroad. Inhabitants are cautiously reestablishing noteworthy homes to save the town’s Mayberry-like person. The extension on Highway 1, north of Bethune, is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the main scaffold crossing a similar waterway multiple time.

Bethune was granted the Governor’s Rural Economic Achievement Trophy and hence turned into the littlest of partaking urban areas and towns in South Carolina to qualify as an “Amazing” town. “The People of Bethune” is something beyond an expression. It is four words that depict the commitment and drive of a local area progressing. Bethune is everyone’s concept of an unassuming community. A wide central avenue, great schools, a decent library, astounding clinical offices, delightful homes, and cordial individuals are found in Bethune.

From recuperating springs to ceramics, to farming, this Kershaw County town is pleased with its legacy.

Geography

Bethune is situated in northeastern Kershaw County at 34°24′54″N 80°20′51″W (34.414881, – 80.347414), 20 miles (32 km) upper east of Camden, the area seat, and 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Cheraw along U.S. Highway 1. South Carolina Highway 341 (Main Street) crosses US 1 in the focal point of town; it drives northwest 17 miles (27 km) to Kershaw and south 16 miles (26 km) to Bishopville. As indicated by the United States Census Bureau, the town of Bethune has a complete space of 1.10 square miles (2.85 km2), all land.

The Lynches River passes east of the town, and its feeder the Little Lynches River passes toward the southwest. The waterways and the town are essential for the watershed of the Great Pee Dee River.

The MAC-Hunter Astronomical Observatory, an agreeable undertaking of South Carolina novice cosmologists in the Midlands Astronomy Club, is sited south of town.

Demographics

As of the census] of 2000, there were 352 individuals, 165 families, and 104 families living in the town. The populace thickness was 309.4 individuals per square mile (119.2/km2). There were 193 lodging units at a normal thickness of 169.6 per square mile (65.4/km2). The racial cosmetics of the town were 89.77% White, 9.66% African American, 0.28% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from different races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.84% of the populace.

There were 165 families, out of which 21.8% had kids younger than 18 living with them, 49.7% were hitched couples living respectively, 10.9% had a female householder with no spouse present, and 36.4% were non-families. 34.5% of all families were comprised of people, and 21.8% had somebody living alone who was 65 years old or more seasoned. The normal family size was 2.13 and the normal family size was 2.72.

In the town, the populace was fanned out, with 17.3% younger than 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 23.6% who were 65 years old or more seasoned. The middle age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.3 guys

The middle pay for a family in the town was $32,083, and the middle pay for a family was $40,972. Guys had a middle pay of $37,250 versus $26,406 for females. The per capita pay for the town was $18,879. Around 5.3% of families and 7.2% of the populace were beneath the destitution line, including 15.5% of those under age 18 and 10.7% of those who matured 65 or over.

Education

Bethune has a public library, a part of the Kershaw County Library.

Arts and culture

The Bethune Chicken Strut is a yearly celebration that happens for three days each August. The celebration incorporates a motorcade that happens down Main Street, an exemplary vehicle show, amusement park rides, and live melodic exhibitions. The celebration started in the early 1970s. The Bethune Christmas Parade is one of many motorcades that occur during the Christmas season in Kershaw County. The procession happens down Main Street.