Lake City was known as “Graham’s Crossroads” for Aaron Graham who built the house on the corner of Main Street and Church Street in 1830. The post office opened here in 1848 and was named “Lynches Lake”. The town grew after a northeastern railroad was completed in 1857 and was chartered as Graham in 1874 and renamed Lake City in 1883. Its tobacco market opened in 1899 and was among the largest in South Carolina. It’s Bean Market opened in 1936 and was once the largest in the world. This community was sometimes called “The Crossroads” for the intersection of two major roads (one from Georgetown to Camden, the other from Charleston to Cheraw) now what is known as Main and Church Streets.
Corner of Main and Church Streets 
Main Street 
Replica of Graham House 
Event Hall 
Art Gallery 
Lots of wall murals around the town
One of Lake city’s more famous residents was Doctor Ronald E McNair who sadly perished in when the Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated after takeoff in 1986. Doctor McNair was born October 21, 1950 and graduated from Carver High School in Lake City in 1967. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from North Carolina A&T State University in 1971 and the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976; he was presented an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from North Carolina A & T State University in 1978, an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Morris College in 1980, and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of South Carolina in 1984. He was selected as an astronaut candidate in January 1978 and flew his first mission on February 3, 1984. He was recognized for his groundbreaking work with lasers, as well as his personal talents as a saxophonist and black belt in karate.
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Memorial Park 
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Memorial Park 
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Life History Center 
Dr. Ronald E. McNair Life History Center
The town was renamed Lake City for its swimming lakes just north of town. The new park opened in 2018 and features an 8-acre lake with a boardwalk, five fishing piers, canoe/kayak launch, shaded gazebo, a picnic shelter with a wood-burning fireplace and restrooms. Grills and picnic tables can be found throughout the park. It’s really an impressive place
Lake City Park 
Lake City Park 
Lake City Park 
Lake City Park
Here’ a link for the virtual tour of the park.
There’s a lot of good restaurants in town. However, Slabs stands out above the rest. The food is awesome, and the service is even better. If you’re in the area I highly recommend giving them a try, but be aware, they are only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and there may be a line so get there early.
We had a fun day and It was great to be able to drive around and see something besides a grocery store.
Until next time.
Sta safe