Cheraw, South Carolina
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Cheraw (IPA: /ʃʌˈɹɔʷ/, locally /tʃʌˈɹɔʷ/) is a town in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 5,524 at the 2000 census and center of an urban cluster with a total population of 9,069.
Geography
The town is at the fall line of the Pee Dee River.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 12.0 km² (4.6 mi²). 11.9 km² (4.6 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it (0.65%) is water.
Demographics
As of the census[Geographic references#2GR2] of 2000, there were 5,524 people, 2,290 households, and 1,470 families residing in the town. The population density was 462.7/km² (1,197.6/mi²). There were 2,568 housing units at an average density of 215.1/km² (556.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 45.76% White, 52.21% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.81% Asian, 0.31% from other races, and 0.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.There were 2,290 households out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.4% were married couples living together, 25.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.5% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 78.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 70.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $21,897, and the median income for a family was $31,136. Males had a median income of $27,405 versus $22,003 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,801. About 27.3% of families and 32.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 43.1% of those under age 18 and 21.9% of those age 65 or over.
Cheraw is the center of an urban cluster with a total population of 9,069 (2000 census).
History
Originally the area in and around Cheraw was occupied by the Pee Dee and Cheraw tribes of Native Americans. However, the area was later colonized by immigrants, and by 1750 was one of 6 South Carolina towns that appeared on English maps.
The town was incorporated in 1820. 1820 was also when the first bridge was built over the Pee Dee River, and when steamboat service began. Cheraw became a significant trading hub during this time.
During the American Civil War, Cheraw was occupied by the forces of William Tecumseh Sherman. Because Sherman found Cheraw to be such a pleasant place, it was one of the few southern towns he did not destroy.
Famous people
Tribute Statue to Native Son
- Dizzy Gillespie was born in Cheraw on October 21st, 1917.
- David Thornton (Actor)
Schools
Cheraw's schools are part of the Chesterfeild County School System.- Cheraw Primary School (Grades K-2)
- Cheraw Intermedate School (3-5)
- Long Middle School (6-8)
- Cheraw High School (9-12)
External links
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