On the very southern tip of Lexington County lies the beloved town of Chapin, also known as the “Capital of Lake Murray.” The history behind this quaint Midlands area is somewhat of a “Cinderella story” — a tale with roots in simple, humble living, but its fruits blossoming with growth and prosperity.
In the mid-1700s, groups of German settlers migrated west of Columbia with English land grants in hand and looking to make a life for themselves. They eventually planted themselves in and around the forks of the Saluda and Broad Rivers. Though they were poor and struggled to make ends meet, these Germans formed a tightly-knit community that prized hard work, familial bonds, and faith. The anglicized version of the word “German” is Dutch; thus, this area became known as the Dutch Fork.
Years later, Martin Chapin of New York moved to the Dutch Fork searching for relief and healing from a lung ailment. His physician had suggested he move close to the southern pine forests to inhale their fragrance for the sake of his condition. He never could have imagined just how well the trees would serve him and the community at large.
Chapin invested in both land, acquiring an estimated 4,218 acres worth, and a lumber mill business. When the Columbia, Laurens, and Newberry Railway came to town, Chapin was all too willing to give up some of his property for them to set up a station that would deliver his lumber to market.
This act proved to be the first domino to tip over a chain of positive repercussions for the community, bringing increased business, population, and wealth. At last, during the Christmas season of 1889, the Town of Chapin was officially incorporated, town square and all!
Since then, Chapin has come a long way! New technology and the creation of Lake Murray forever changed life in the small town. Not only did it connect Chapin to the rest of the world and inspire innovation, but it also drew visitors and countless new residents and businesses. Families of Chapin now enjoy the simplicity of a small town home — but with easy access to city life and a pristine lake. Chapin may be small, but it is full of big fun!
Written by Rebecca Jenkins