"B" is for Batesburg-Leesville. [Lexington County; population 5,517]. Located in western Lexington County on “the Ridge” separating the Saluda and Edisto Rivers, the towns originated on Native American trading paths that became early roads. Leesville was incorporated in 1875 and Batesburg in 1877. Although separated by only a narrow strip of land, the two towns nevertheless developed distinct identities. Batesburg faced west and served as a market and distribution center for the Ridge farmers in Edgefield, Aiken, and Saluda Counties. Facing east, Leesville serviced the Sandhills of western Lexington County. The move toward a merger began in the 1920s with the construction of a consolidated high school. A joint chamber of commerce was established in 1946. In January 1992 voters passed a referendum to consolidate Batesburg and Leesville, and the merger was completed by the end of the following year.
"B" is for Batesburg-Leesville
