What started as Pineland Village in 1785 is now known as Summerville. It became an official town on December 17, 1847. Plantation owners sought refuge here to escape seasonal insects. They also wanted to avoid swamp fever.
Summerville is known as Flowertown in the Pines. This is because of the abundance of pink azaleas. These bloom in the spring. Tourists flock to Summerville to enjoy millions of blossoms. These flowers are in private and public gardens. Azalea Park is centrally located. It’s no wonder the town’s official seal reads “Sacra Pinus Esto.” This means “The Pine is Sacred.”
Let’s take a trip back to the early days. Summerville was first inhabited in the late 1700s. Residents sought refuge from summer heat, mosquitoes, and disease. From May to September, plantation families would head for higher elevations. They lived temporarily in the small forest colony. This colony was soon named Summerville. Other early residents descended from the 1696 Puritans. They settled the nearby former colonial settlement of Dorchester.
The railroad’s arrival in the early 1800s led to the village’s incorporation. Trees were cut for laying rails. They also cleared lots near the tracks. To protect its trees, the village became a town in 1847. It passed an ordinance. This prohibited cutting certain-sized trees without permission. Offenders were fined $25. That was a hefty sum at the time. This ordinance remains on the books today.
Summerville faced devastation in the late 19th century. The town was hit by an earthquake in 1886. A fire destroyed most buildings around the town square.
But Summerville’s luck turned. The International Congress of Physicians in Paris made a declaration. Summerville was one of the world’s two best places for treating lung disorders. This was because of the pine trees’ turpentine scent. People thought it had healing properties. Inns and hotels were built to accommodate visitors. Many became permanent residents of Summerville.
Despite the publicity, the town’s population remained around 3,000 for nearly a century. It didn’t reach 6,000 until the late 1970s. Summerville’s population doubled in the 1980s. Today, Summerville attracts families, businesspeople, and military personnel. They seek a quality of life that has disappeared in larger cities.
Summerville is the birthplace of sweet tea. This southern staple originated here around 1890. As of June 10, 2016, Summerville holds the Guinness Record. It is for the World’s Largest Ice Tea.
Summerville has a historic downtown area. It features preserved Victorian-style architecture. You will also see cobblestone streets. 700 buildings in Summerville are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Summerville continues to be recognized. It is one of the best places to retire in the US. The town offers a unique blend of history and modern living. It has beautiful scenery and undeniable southern charm.