Have you ever noticed that the places that stand out as most desirable and sought after often have managed to retain the character and charm of days gone by? Not always, but … take for example in our own state the city that has consistently ranked as one of the top in the nation and even the world as a top city that travelers want to visit, namely, Charleston. There’s obviously a lot we love about modern upgrades, but there’s just something to be said for integrating the new without completely eliminating the old. We absolutely can and should appreciate both! Kind of like that quote regarding friends goes, “Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver, the other is gold.” And oh, the gold we have in our state! A historic small town in South Carolina called Liberty is overflowing with this sort of old-world charm.

This Veterans Service Station, located at 404 East Main Street, is perhaps the best testament to the town's proud history.
The Library of Congress/Flickr
Brian Scott/The Historical Marker Database
At the station, you'll see this historical marker, which reads:

Liberty was founded in 1776 by a group of Patriots and was named for that principle for which they so bravely fought.

City Officials 1935
Mayor: Dr. E.J. Bryson
Treas.: C.L. Templeton

Alderman
C.E. Bush
H.F. Hunt
G.F. Smith
F.N. Gossett

Water Comm.
J.C. Boggs, Chm
J.M. Abbott
P.A. Kay
H.A. Davis, Sup.

Police Dept.
Chief: J.W. Julian
J.L. Mills

Streets
Jeff Jamison

Shell Gas

The town does a wonderful job of preserving this incredible legacy. The building no longer serves as a gas station but is listed in the historical marker database along with its history. Built in 1935 using local stone from the nearby Liberty Rock Quarry, it currently houses a barber shop. There's also a World War I memorial near the building.
Commerce Street intersects Main Street and is really where much of the heart of the town is found, with businesses located in the old buildings that have remained ever since they were first built, just repurposed once original occupants moved on.
City of Liberty - South Carolina/Facebook
Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
You'll see the American flag emphasized throughout the town.
City of Liberty - South Carolina/Facebook
This beautiful patriotic mural was added to the side of one of the main buildings on South Commerce Street that currently houses Bodyworks Therapeutic Massage.
Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
In 2022, the town debuted a mascot, Bertie the Eagle, at a Trick or Treat event in October. So fun!
Charming Historic Small Town in South Carolina that Feels Frozen in Time
City of Liberty - South Carolina/Facebook

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On West Main Street, you'll want to stop by the quaint Liberty Bell Restaurant for a step back in time and a meat and three meal or burger, fries, and a milkshake.
Cam Whelchel/Google Reviews
If you're spending the day or longer exploring Liberty, don't miss an incredible whole hog barbecue meal at Circle M BBQ at 345 Martin Sausage Road.
Not only does this historic town look seemingly stuck in time, it also very much feels this way, too. The people who live here are very community-minded and take time together as they go about life, reminiscent of the Mayberry atmosphere many of us love. It's important even as we lead busy lives to take time for our neighbors and friends!
Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Pictured here, the town of Liberty is celebrating the opening of a new business with a ribbon cutting event.
City of Liberty - South Carolina/Facebook
The town goes all-in for the high school homecoming occasion.
City of Liberty - South Carolina/Facebook
City of Liberty - South Carolina/Facebook
These two photos were taken when the mayor and a town councilman visited the eight-grade History of Liberty projects, which included recreations of some of the recognizable locations around town. The students also researched the history of each place to share. It's always refreshing to see some "old-school" methods still being utilized in the classroom!
City of Liberty - South Carolina/Facebook
With a 2021 population of just over 3,300, this is such a creative little town, as seen here with a Christmas parade float from the 2021 season's festivities.
Last, but not least, you can see this sharecropper's house at Silva Terra Nature Park.
Silva Terra Nature Park/Google Reviews
The park is located at 1161 Melton Road and includes over 30 acres of trails, forests, and a clear, sandy-bottom creek to explore. The park has offered special seasonal events in the past but is currently open by appointment only. Check the Silva Terra Nature Park website for more details.

Have you ever been to this charming, historic small town in South Carolina, and if so, what was your experience there like? What are some others you’ve been to that deserve a look that we’ve never featured before? Send us an attraction nomination so we can check it out!

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Liberty, SC 29657, USA