Landmarks of Lancaster County

1813 Cornerstone

The northern boundary of Lancaster County was formally established in 1813. But to avoid splitting the Catawba Indian nation, the boundary was moved south, giving the county its “panhandle” shape. 1/2 mile south of SC 5, off US 521.

Hanging Rock

This rock formation is an important Revolutionary War battlesite. Two battles occurred here. One was a skirmish between Patriots and Loyalists. The other was a Patriot victory over the British on August 6, 1781. On Hanging Rock Road, south of Heath Springs.

Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Church

The oldest church in upper South Carolina, its cemetery holds gravestones dating back to 1758. The current church building was erected in 1896. This was Andrew Jackson’s home church. Old Hickory Road, between West North Corner Road and Riverside Road.

Landsford Canal

The Landsford canal and locks on the Catawba River allowed barges to bypass rocks. The canal became obsolete with the advent of the railroads. The site is now a state park. Off US 21, north of Fort Lawn.  Click here to visit the Landsford Canal website.

Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies

One of the few and largest natural locations of spider lilies as seen in May from the wide banks of the Catawba River in Landsford Canal State Park.  For more information, click here.

Andrew Jackson State Park

The birthplace of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, the park offers visitors a museum, camp sites, picnic areas and a statue, “Andrew Jackson, Boy of the Waxhaws,” a gift of Anna Hyatt Huntington. Off US 521, 1/3 mile north of SC 5.  Click here to visit the Andrew Jackson State Park website.

The Mt. Carmel A.M.E. Zion Campground

The Mt. Carmel A.M.E. Zion Campground, circa 1870, was established by Bishop Isom Caleb Clinton, a former slave. Entered in the National Register of Historic Places, it hosts an annual ecumenical Homecoming held on the first Wednesday in September. 1 2/3 miles south of Cauthen Crossroads.

Forty Acre Rock

A National Natural Landmark, the Forty Acre Rock is a magma intrusion millions of years old. As this rock weathers, it forms a less acidic soil, making it home to a rare plant species. On Conservancy Road, off Nature Reserve Road, off US 601, north of SC 903.

Camp Creek United Methodist Church

Organized in 1798 by Bishop Francis Asbury, this is the second oldest Methodist church in Lancaster County. The present church, erected about 1835, is put together with wooden pegs. SC 200, six miles south of Lancaster.