County of Edgefield

Established in 1785, Edgefield County is a part of the Aiken/Augusta metropolitan statistical area. It is located on the Savannah River just north of Augusta and north-west of Aiken County, covering an area of 506 square miles. It has a population of approximately 27,000 (2010 census.)

The county has four incorporated municipalities; Edgefield, the County seat, Johnston, Trenton and North Augusta. The county’s economy is balanced with approximately equal sectors of agriculture, manufacturing and services. It is divided by the fall line with the north-western two thirds in the Piedmont and one third in the sandhill and ridge country.

Edgefield County is one of the largest peach producers in the United States and hence, thousands of rural acres color the area in a blaze of peach blossoms every spring. In April, Johnston celebrates this spectacular display of nature with its annual Peach Blossom Festival, and in nearby Trenton the annual Peach Festival in June draws thousands of people from all over the southeast. Edgefield County is also the home of the headquarters for the National Wild Turkey Federation which is one of the most respected conservation organizations of its kind in the United States.

Many historians agree that few counties anywhere in the South can claim a history as full of color and controversy as the Old Edgefield District. Over its 225 year history it has produced many prominent leaders of the State and Nation. Historic homes and churches, and a remarkable collection of original County documents dating back to 1785 draw thousands of researchers and tourists each year.