LEE

county, east-central South Carolina, U.S. The northern and northwestern portions lie within the sandhills of the Fall Line zone, while the remainder of the county consists of a generally flat region on the Coastal Plain. The Lynches River forms parts of both the southeastern and northern boundaries. Lee county is also drained by the Black River. Lee State Park lies along the Lynches River. The area was inhabited by Siouan-speaking Indians prior to European settlement. The county was formed in 1902 and named for the Confederate general Robert E. Lee. The last legal duel in South Carolina was fought near Bishopville, the county seat, in 1880, after which dueling was outlawed. During the colonial era wheat was grown in the region. Cotton became an increasingly important crop during the 19th century. With the decline in cotton production elsewhere in South Carolina, Lee county had become one of the state's leading cotton-growing areas by the late 20th century. Other farm products important to the economy of this agricultural county are soybeans, peanuts (groundnuts), tobacco, and chickens. Area 410 square miles (1,063 square km). Pop. (1990) 18,437; (1998 est.) 20,399.