You have to go no further than the name "Sumter County" to appreciate the history of this area. Sumter County was established in 1800 and named for General Thomas Sumter, a Revolutionary War hero so known for his tenacious spirit that he was nicknamed "The Gamecock."  In this tradition, today Sumter is known as the "Gamecock City," and the athletic teams of Sumter High School and even the University of South Carolina in Columbia bear the same nicknames.

At the Church of the Holy Cross just west of Sumter, history buffs can find General Sumter's burial tomb, a well-traveled historical site.

The City of Sumter is also home to the Opera House, a recently renovated 100-year-old building in the center of the city.  It now houses the offices of city government.  The Opera House and its signature clock tower, toured by thousands each year, have become icons of this city.  In addition, Sumter County was the site of events in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

The Sumer Gallery of Art, located in the Patriot Hall Cultural Arts Center, features 14-16 exhibits each year, classes on the arts for kindergartners through senior citizens and gift shop. Patriot Hall is known as the cultural center of Sumter County and houses a 1,200-seat auditorium excellent for recitals, plays, concerts, and even large business meetings.

The Sumter County Museum Complex includes the Genealogical and Historical Research Center, Williams-Brice House and Gardens, and the Carolina Backcountry Homestead. Visitors here can trace the history of Old Sumter District through exhibits, artworks, and presentations. Of particular note is the Carolina Backcountry Homestead exhibit. This living history area is composed of eight structures, two original buildings relocated to the site and six reconstructed buildings.  The Homestead is used for living history demonstrations, tours, and special events.

In addition to the above, Sumter has numerous civic groups and associations such as the Rotary, Lion's Club, and Kiwanis. While Sumter has too many groups to list here, it's also home to the Sumter YMCA Touchdown Club, the Master Gardeners' Association, the Black Heritage Club, the Sumter Crafters' Guild, the Retired Officers' Association, and the Air Force Association.

Sumter also has numerous annual festivals and special events, beginning with the world-renowned Iris Festival each May. In addition to the Iris Festival, Sumter residents enjoy many other cultural events including ShawFest, the Fall for the Arts festival, the (Christmas) Fantasy of Lights, Poultry Night, the Rub O' the Green Golf Tournament, the Business Expo, and much more

In the heart of the Bible Belt, Sumter residents attend more than 120 churches, representing many different denominations. Such renowned religious scholars as the Rev. Tony Evans highlight the spiritual bonds of the community with annual seminars.

Founded in 1914, Sumter's modern Tuomey Healthcare System is fully accredited with commendations by the Join Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.   Tuomey's main facility in the heart of Sumter features 266 beds, including a 26-bed nursery and 24-bed intensive care unit.  The system has completed a $48 million dollar renovation and expansion project with two new wing additions, a new medical office building, and a 600-car parking garage.

In addition to the ongoing expansion, the system added Tuomey Medical Park in 1993, located a few miles from the city's center where patients can enjoy quality outpatient care without traveling downtown.  Tuomey also has made a commitment to the most modern medical technology, adding a Cancer Treatment Center to the system in 1991.

Tuomey is among the top 5 employers in Sumter County with an employment of 1,400.  More than 140 physicians currently practice in Sumter, a number that's more than doubled in just five years.

Other than Tuomey Healthcare System, there are seven other general hospitals within a 45-mile radius of Sumter.