Known for its quaint community, southern charm and famous buffet style restaurant, Shealy's BBQ, the Town of Batesburg-Leesville is filled with historic landmarks from times past. This small town, tucked in the western part of Lexington County, is home to many different locations recognized by the National Registry of South Carolina. While the vintage shops, restaurants and community events (i.e. The Poultry Festival) have brought growing popularity to this small town, we must not forget it’s historical roots. Here are two of the several landmarks recognized by the National Registry of Historic Places within Batesburg-Leesville:   

1. Cedar Grove Lutheran Church (1220 Cedar Grove Rd.) 

Built in 1926, Cedar Grove Lutheran Church is admired for its beautiful late gothic style structure and design. The church features its brick structure, a tall steeple above the front entrance, beautiful stained-glass windows and a large cemetery in the back of property. Aside from its beauty, the church is also significant for its deep connection to Louis H. Asbury, a prominent architect who influenced structural trends within South Carolina during the early 12th century.  According to the National Registry of Historic Places, Cedar Grove Lutheran Church purchased the structural plan from Asbury in 1922. Once the structure was built, the congregation then relocated from its original grounds where Salem Lutheran Church is presently in Leesville. “The adjacent Cedar Grove Cemetery is an essential contributing resource that retains its historical integrity as a vast cemetery of several hundred tombstones, which has been the traditional burying ground for Cedar Grove’s congregation since their relocation to this site,” according to nationalregister.sc.gov. Cedar Grove Lutheran Church is not only externally exquisite, but also showcases its beautiful craftsmanship within its walls. The internal structure includes an open-raftered ceiling in the sanctuary, a balcony to accommodate additional seating for the congregation and magnificent stained-glass windows lining the sanctuary walls. The church also includes a fellowship hall to host events for the congregation. “The Fellowship Hall was added in 1973 and was substantially renovated in 1999,” according to cedargrovelutheranchurch.org. And according to Cedar Grove Lutheran Church’s website, many of its attending families have been in the Leesville area for generations and can trace their religious ancestry back to the founding members of the church. Cedar Grove Lutheran Church was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in November 2010.   

2. Hartley House (305 E. Columbia Ave.) 

Presently operating as an event and wedding venue, the Hartley House (Bonds-Bates-Hartley House) is a charming two-and-one-half story house located right in the Town of Batesburg. Hidden under a pair of magnolia trees on East Columbia Avenue, the structure features an upcountry farmhouse with a central portico on each story that is framed by two wooden pillars. The central two-story portico is adapted by the Greek revival style. The Hartley House is believed to be the oldest house in Batesburg. Built around 1830 to its present form, the house may have undergone an extensive remodel of an earlier structure. “According to local tradition, the house served as a stagecoach stop and post office prior to the founding of Batesburg. Wade Hampton’s Red Shirts reportedly held political meetings at this house,” according to nationalregister.sc.gov. The Hartley House’s beauty and connection to historical ties are appreciated today by all who hold events at the location. The Hartley House was added to the National Registry of Historic Places of July in 1982.