Chapin SC was established in the mid 1700’s by German settlers. The area known as Dutch Fork was named this as a reference to the German language the people spoke. The Founder, Martin Chapin, suffered a lung ailment and his doctors advised him to move south to the Piney Woods and inhale the pine. Here his health improved and he started a successful lumber mill business and invested in the land. According to Lexington County Courthouse, when land was being purchased for the future Lake Murray, more than half of the properties were owned by Martin Chapin. County records show he purchased 4,218 acres in the Chapin area. Martin Chapin gave right of way to the Railway which over the years would have a tremendous impact on the communities. When the railroad was built the station established near the lumber mill was named Chapin. Soon after the Railroad a town was formed and Martin Chapin gave the land for its streets. After the Great Depression when many of Chapin’s farmers lost everything and the Bank of Chapin failed, new technology expanded the boundaries of Dutch Fork to the outside world. The automobile, radio, the telephone and electricity all played a part in this. The Damming of the Saluda River in 1927, to create Lake Murray, caused an enormous social upheaval. Many of the people in the area had lived and worked along the banks of the River for years. The lives of some 5,000 were directly affected as the land was acquired for the building of the dam. Three churches, six schools and 193 graveyards were removed from the area. For many the adjustment was difficult and for others they saw the dam brought employment and progress. At the time of the construction, the dam was the largest in cubical content for power purposes in the world. The dam covers 99 acres; it is 208 feet high and 1 ½ miles long. The Lake today is one the grandest asset Chapin has to offer. Chapin is also known as the Community with Character, located halfway between the mountains and the beach; I-26, I-20 and I-77 are all close making your trips to either approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, great for weekend get-a-ways! A sense of Community is still very important to the residents of Chapin. With a population of approximately 709, as reported in 2008, Median resident age 35.6 years with an estimated median household income of $55,494 in 2007. 2008 cost of living index in Chapin: 86.7 (less than average, U.S. average is 100). Residents are also very proud of the Chapin High School which won a National Blue Ribbon in 2009 and was recognized by U.S NEWS and WORLD REPORTS.
Public elementary/middle schools in Chapin: - Chapin Elementary School (Location: 940 OLD BUSH RIVER ROAD)
- Lake Murray Elementary School (Location: 1531 THREE DOG ROAD)
- Chapin Middle School (Location: 1130 OLD LEXINGTON HWY.)
- Chapin High School (Location: 300 COLUMBIA AVENUE)
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