Lake City, SC, began in the 1820s as a crossroads where the road between Charleston and Cheraw intersected with the route linking Georgetown and Camden, a location that led to its early name of Graham’s Crossroads. By the 1850s, the area had developed into a working plantation center with barns, gins, and supporting agricultural structures. The arrival of the North Eastern Railroad in 1858 placed a freight depot nearby and created the foundation for a growing mercantile community. The town formally chartered as Graham in 1874, but postal delivery conflicts prompted a name change in 1883.

Today, with a population of just under 6,000 residents, the community’s identity reflects its long-standing role as an agricultural center shaped by turpentine harvesting, large-scale strawberry production, nationally significant snap bean markets, and later tobacco, which dominated the local economy well into the twentieth century.

Annual events bring added energy throughout the year. Beer Fest draws visitors for regional craft brews, live music, and outdoor gatherings, turning downtown into a focal point for casual celebration. Hometown Holidays mark winter with decorated streets, shopping events, and community activities that center on local businesses and shared traditions. ArtFields brings national attention each spring, transforming galleries, storefronts, and public spaces into exhibition venues for large-scale artwork while encouraging residents and visitors to explore the town on foot.

That agricultural influence still shows up in how people eat. Green Frog Social House operates as both a restaurant and social space, offering Southern-inspired dishes, rotating specials, and an atmosphere that encourages conversation and unhurried meals. Lake City Shrimper focuses on seafood prepared in a straightforward style, serving shrimp baskets, platters, and regional favorites.

Local shopping reflects a preference for independent businesses. Main Street Mercantile offers home décor, gifts, and seasonal items arranged for browsing, making it a common stop for thoughtful purchases rather than quick transactions. Lake City Emporium adds variety with a rotating selection of locally oriented merchandise and specialty items, giving customers a reason to return as inventory changes throughout the year.

Cultural life here is closely tied to preserving history and supporting the arts. The Lynches Lake Historical Society and Museum maintains records, photographs, and artifacts connected to the region’s agricultural and market history, offering context for how deeply farming shaped growth and identity. Jones-Carter Gallery serves as a creative anchor, hosting rotating exhibitions and programs that highlight regional artists and keep the arts visible within the community.

For outings beyond the routine, Moore Farms Botanical Garden offers curated gardens, walking paths, and seasonal displays that showcase plant diversity and landscape design, drawing visitors for quiet exploration and photography. Bee City provides a more interactive experience, combining education with hands-on exhibits focused on pollinators and small animals, making it a popular destination for families and school groups.

With natural areas like these surrounding homes, farms, and businesses, wildlife activity is a regular part of life here. Animals such as raccoons, squirrels, snakes, birds, and bats are often drawn toward structures as wooded land, fields, and drainage areas overlap with developed property. At Pee Dee Wildlife, we help property owners in Lake City address these issues through professional wildlife removal and exclusion services. Contact us today to schedule service and let us provide solutions to your wildlife-related inssues.