Images of America: African Americans of Orangeburg County explores the lives of African Americans in Orangeburg and some of the surrounding towns during the 20th century. Orangeburg has been called "the little town with the big history"—and that it is with over 30 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including the beautiful Edisto Memorial Garden, which is known all over the state. This unique town, which is also the county seat, is the location of four colleges, including two historically black colleges. These schools and the church communities were driving forces during desegregation in the turbulent 1950s and 1960s. South Carolina State University was the site of the Orangeburg Massacre, where three students were killed in 1968. It has taken years for this town to heal from the tragic events that occurred; however, it has more than survived all the struggles and marches to become a better community. This book highlights various achievements and contributions from African Americans who have helped Orangeburg prosper.
