Sumter is a city in and the county seat of Sumter County, South Carolina, United States. The city makes up the Sumter, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area. Sumter County, along with Clarendon and Lee counties, form the core of Sumter-Lee-Clarendon Tri-county (or East Midlands) area of South Carolina that includes three counties straddling the border of the Sandhills (or Midlands), Pee Dee, and Low country regions. The population was 43,463 at the 2020 census, making it the 8th most populous city in the state.

The two photos below show each end of one big long mural by the rooftop of a building. The two RV Gypsies tried to find a way to see the entire mural but could not.

Below: The city and county of Sumter bear the name of General Thomas Sumter, the "Fighting Gamecock" of the American Revolutionary War, therefore there was a statue in the town, and it is shown below. But Karen Duquette took the photo out the window of the moving car, because Lee Duquette did not stop there.

During the Civil War, the town was an important supply and railroad repair center for the Confederacy. After the war, Sumter grew and prospered, using its large railroad network to supply cotton, timber, and by the start of the 20th century, tobacco to the region.

During the 20th century, Sumter grew into a major industrial center. Still a unique business founded in 1923, Palmetto Pigeon Plant has grown into one of the largest producers of squab, poussin (chicken), cornish game hen, and silkie chickens in the world. Starting with the opening of Shaw Air Force Base (now home to the 9th Air Force, 20th Fighter Wing, and United States Army Central) in 1941, industry grew, especially after World War II. Sumter became increasingly known for textiles, manufacturing, biotech industries, a thriving retail environment, and medical center of its region in addition to agricultural products, which makes it a hub for business in the east-central portion of South Carolina.

Below: The two RV Gypsies have seen many unusual things in small cities, but Butterflies on poles were a first. These are the type of things that Karen Duquette calls"oddities" and there is a whole list of oddities on this website. Thus the Oddities button, plus red alphabetical letters and other special categories at the top of most pages.

Below: Dalzell Water District water tower. The two RV Gypsies post water towers because their granddaughter and their great-grandchilden like them so much that Karen Duquette made them a special book of water towers. If you like water towers, use the TOC button at the top of any page and choose the red letter "W" and scroll down. (or click here).

Dinner at Wateree Cajun Restaurant.
2423 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020
phone: '-803/432.3668

The two RV Gypsies are not really canjun fans, but since this was Labor Day, it was the only restaurant in the area open besides fast food. But they did have buffalo wings (only hot sauce, no medium sauce) and they had fried shrimp. The wings and shrimp were amazingly great. Just the right amount of crunchy breading, not too thick. Even the coleslaw was perfect. But this place does not have a dishwasher so the food was served on paper plates, which Karen Duquette hates. Otherwise it would have gotten a perfect rating. It was off hours, so the two RV Gypsies had the restaurant to themselves. The tables were clean and the floor was very clean, so maybe the place is a bit on the new side. The bathrooms were also spotless. But they were one person at a kind type of bathroom. It was in the same parking lot as two other stores. If the two RV Gypsies lived near here, which they do not, they would eat here a lot, but Karen Duquette would bring her own medium hot sauce for the wings.

Karen Duquette posted the hours below, but of course as time passes, this could change - only the restaurant controls the hours.

Below: View right and left from the booth where the two RV Gypsies were sitting.

Below: Oops Karen Duquette did not photograph the food until it was almost gone. Prices were reasonable too.

The two RV Gypsies enjoyed the annual Scarecrow Crawl in downtown, Fort Mill, South Carolina - 2 pages.

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