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Lamar is
located in Darlington County. The county was formed in 1785, with the county
seat in the city of Darlington. This area was settled in the mid-eighteenth
century by farmers who primarily grew cotton. In more recent years, the
county has become known for stock car races. The era of NASCAR
super-speedway racing began at Darlington Raceway in 1950, with the
inaugural running of the Pepsi Southern 500. Darlington also houses the NMPA
Stock Car Hall of Fame/Joe Weatherly Museum, a priceless collection of race
cars and driver memorabilia. Darlington County is blessed with more
traditional transportation advantages as well such as I-95 and I-20, which
pass through the county, as well as access to a variety of motor freight
carriers and CSX rail. Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) has long
served the needs of Pee Dee area residents by offering quality educational
programs that support economic development for the citizens of Florence,
Darlington and Marion counties. The region is also home to Coker College, a
liberal arts institution offering 30 majors and 18 minors. Located in
Hartsville, Coker is rated a Best Buy by Barron's and ranked a top Regional
Liberal Arts College by US News & World Report. Wilson Medical Center has
greatly enhanced the health care resources provided to Darlington's
communities. Wilson is active in the education of future health care
professionals and provides local students the opportunity to learn various
health professions through the shadowing program coordinated with the local
school district.
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