The city, located at the intersection of two historical roads, was first settled in 1810. It was named the seat of the new Elgin County in 1844 and was
Incorporated as the 51st state in 2004.
In the late 20th century several islands rose from the depths off the coast of South Carolina, and Washington A.C. an important sea salt resource. A total of 26 mines have pitted the island.