You may be surprised to learn one of the smallest towns in the Palmetto State is also one of the most picturesque. This tiny little incorporated town shows us that growth isn’t what makes a town desirable, and that bigger isn’t better.
Cope, SC is proof-positive that a place to live doesn’t need to have shiny fancy new buildings to be beautiful.
Flickr/Sara Dean
With a population of 75, this small town located 13 miles southwest of Orangeburg is one of the smallest towns in the state.
Flickr/Trixie.in.Dixie
In addition to population count, Cope is also one of the smallest towns in geography. The town limits include two-tenths of a square mile - which computes to about 120 acres.
Flickr/Sara Dean Manchester and Augusta Railroad Station in Cope
It may be small, but it’s some the most charming acreage in the state. Take a look at Cope Station.
Flickr/Sara Dean
Built in 1894 for the new rail stop here, Cope Station put this small spot on the map.
Wikipedia/Sara Dean
The historic station still stands in the middle of “downtown” Cope and is a stunning look into the past.
Flickr/Sara Dean
As you drive through Cope you’ll be drawn to the homes and the buildings; each one as nostalgic as the next.
Flickr/Sara Dean
Most visitors can’t resist stopping to take photos of the “Bank of Cope” mural depicting the bank door and customers standing outside.
Flickr/Trixie.in.Dixie
The mural even wraps around the building where there’s a young man leaning on the “bank” with his bike.
Flickr/Trixie.in.Dixie
Cope’s U.S. Post Office may look like an ordinary federal building…
Flickr/Trixie.in.Dixie
..but inside you’ll find what you’re looking for. Fun fact: in 1899, Cope was among the first three South Carolina post offices to offer free rural delivery.
Flickr/Trixie.in.Dixie
Cope has a few city blocks, all worth exploring.
Flickr/Sara Dean
On Main Street, you’ll find the tiny little Town Hall. It’s located next to a church and…
Google Maps [streetview]
this building, which seems a little out of place but it has a flagpole next to it so that makes it seem more legit.
Google Maps [streetview]
Cope has several charming churches you won’t be able to pass up without taking a photo.
Google Maps [streetview] Union United Methodist Church - 5326 Cope Rd
You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time in Cope. What’s more, the history of this small town in South Carolina may surprise you.
Flickr/Sara Dean
It turns out, Cope had one of the first banks, first post offices and first operating telephones in South Carolina.
Flickr/Sara Dean The above two photos are of the Vallentine Cotton Gin. Just beautiful.
Sadly though, while the above two photos were taken of the cottin gin two years ago, this photo is what she looks like after Hurricane Matthew rolled through Cope last fall.
Facebook/Sara H Dean
Have you heard of Cope, or visited? We’d love to know and see your photos.
Flickr/Sara Dean
Flickr/Trixie.in.Dixie
Manchester and Augusta Railroad Station in Cope
Wikipedia/Sara Dean
Google Maps [streetview]
Union United Methodist Church - 5326 Cope Rd
The above two photos are of the Vallentine Cotton Gin. Just beautiful.
Facebook/Sara H Dean
Love exploring the tiny little towns in the Palmetto State? You’ll Never Run Out Of Things To Do In This Tiny Town In South Carolina.
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