Moncks Corner was a colonial trading post with a history that dates back to 1735. It was founded by landowner Thomas Monck, for whom the town was named. In 1853, Moncks Corner became an official scheduled stop on the North East Railroad and two buildings were subsequently built to accommodate freight and passengers.

The original train depot was destroyed by fire in 1915, and the existing building was constructed on the current site. The train depot was an important social landmark for residents in the early 1900's, just as it is today. Officials renovated the historic building in 2000 to serve as the town's visitor and cultural center. Special events are held at the depot throughout the year, including the Fourth of July Street Dance and Christmas festivities. Residents also can attend classes at the depot and rent it for special occasions.

Moncks Corner today has more than 8,000 residents and is the Berkeley County seat. The original downtown is populated with progressive shops and restaurants and the town has positioned itself for growth. Moncks Corner is home to the corporate office for Santee Cooper, a state-owned utility company. The area was selected by Google in 2007 as the site for a $600 million investment for two data centers. Early in 2013 Google announced another $600 million investment to expand its current campus.

With the area's growth, Moncks Corner's neighborhoods offer residents a convenient location in a quiet community. Neighborhoods include Cypress Ridge, Fairmont South, Stoney Creek and Foxbank Plantation. Foxbank Plantation is being developed on a former rice plantation of the same name. It spans 800 acres and includes community lakes, ponds and plenty of green space. Amenities include a swimming pool, parks and walking paths.

There are several options for schools in Moncks Corner. Students attend public schools within the Berkeley County School District, which received 22 Palmetto Gold and Silver awards for excellence in 2012. Private schools are also available.

Monck's Corner proximity to area attractions, parks and more make it a match for residents who enjoy outdoor living.

Old Santee Canal Park commemorates America's first summit canal, which began operating in 1800. In addition to tours of the historic site, the park features the Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center. Exhibits and artifacts portray the region's history, including that of Brig. Gen. Francis Marion, who was also known as the "Swamp Fox" and was born near Moncks Corner. The museum also includes the history of Native Americans, colonial life, the Civil War and the Francis Marion National Forest.

Cypress Gardens features boat rides through blackwater swamps and the Berkeley Blueways offer 20 canoeing and kayaking trails. Cypress Gardens hosts an annual Ukulele Festival. Now in its third year, the festival for enthusiasts include ukulele and hula workshops, vendors and a free concert. It also offers boat jams, where ukulele players climb into boats, 10 to 12 per boat, and row around the swamp singing and jamming together.

Mepkin Abbey, a former plantation perched on the river's bluffs, now serves as a home to a Trappist monastery with a garden and chapel open to the public. Visitors can tour the monastery and gardens, or take part in spiritual retreats.

World-class waterskiing, wind surfing, sailing, boating and fishing are popular on lake Moultrie, as well as the state's largest lake, Lake Marion. The Palmetto Trail, a recreational trail that stretches statewide, takes the trekkers off the beaten path for a closer experience with Southern fauna and wildlife.

In addition to these options, the town broke ground on a 52-acre recreation complex in 2011 and expects phase one to be completed by the fall of 2013. The town is investing $5.4 million into phase one, which will include four lighted baseball fields, paved parking, a concession stand/press box, event signs, paved access road, an irrigation system and walking trails. Future plans include tennis courts and a recreation center with a basketball court, swimming pool, jogging track and community rooms. A farmers market, picnic areas and playgrounds are also in the future plans for the complex.

The towns close-knit community is looking ahead by focusing on maintaining a balance between continued growth and the preservation of its cultural amenities and small town character.

MOVING IN

Town of Moncks Corner - 843.719.7900 ~ http://www.townofmonckscorner.sc.gov

Berkeley County School District - 843.899.8600 ~ http://www.berkeley.k12.sc.us

UTILITIES

Moncks Corner Building Permits - 843.719.7900

Berkeley Electric Cooperative - 843.761.8200

Public Works Commission - 843.719.7965

Berkeley County Water & Sanitation - 843.572.4400

Santee Cooper Electric Utility - 843.761.8000

Republic Services (Recycling) - 843.937.4048