In 1682, Craven Co. became one of the four original Proprietary Cos., In 1769, Camden District was created from Craven Co., and in 1798, Sumter District was created from Camden District. In 1855, Clarendon District was split off, and in 1868, Sumter was redesignated as a County. In 1902, part of Sumter Co. was split off for Lee Co.