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"D" is for Denmark

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"D" is for Denmark [Bamberg County; population 3,328]. The community was first established in 1837 as a turnout on the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company line. Incorporated in 1870 as Grahams, the town was renamed Denmark for Colonel Isadore Denmark, president of the Southbound Railroad Company. Until the formation of Bamberg County in 1897, Denmark was in Barnwell County. By the end of the 19th century, the town had become an important office for the American Telephone and Telegraph Company and was a transportation center—boasting three major railroad systems. Like many rural agricultural communities, Denmark has had economic difficulties and a loss of population. The town is home to Vorhees College, Denmark Technical College, and artist Jim Harrison’s studio and gallery. Among Denmark’s notable sons are civil rights activist Cleveland Sellers [now President of Vorhees College] and renowned artist Jim Harrison.

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Dr. Walter Edgar has two programs on South Carolina Public Radio: Walter Edgar's Journal, and South Carolina from A to Z. Dr. Edgar received his B.A. degree from Davidson College in 1965 and his Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina in 1969. After two years in the army (including a tour of duty in Vietnam), he returned to USC as a post-doctoral fellow of the National Archives, assigned to the Papers of Henry Laurens.