The town of Trenton traces its roots to the late 1860s, when the arrival of the Charlotte, Columbia, and Augusta Railroad helped spark the growth of this small but vibrant South Carolina community. Before it became Trenton, the area was known as Pine House, named after the well-known Piney Woods Tavern, a stagecoach stop that offered lodging and meals to travelers passing between Augusta and Columbia. Long before the railroad shaped the town’s future, this area served as an important stopping point for those journeying through South Carolina’s backcountry.

Local history tells that George Washington stopped at the Pine House in 1791 during his Southern tour while traveling between Augusta and Columbia. Today, a historical marker near the intersection of Highways 121, 19, and 25 commemorates that visit, offering a lasting connection to the town’s early significance and its place along one of the region’s historic travel routes.

James Monroe Wise is recognized as the founder of Trenton. In 1870, he established the community’s first store and residence, laying the foundation for its growth as a railroad town. Just a few years later, in 1877, Trenton was officially chartered, and the local post office soon adopted the town’s name. The Wise family’s influence remains an important part of Trenton’s story, with historic Wise family homes still noted among the town’s early landmarks.

Over time, Trenton grew from a rural stagecoach stop into a close-knit town shaped by transportation, agriculture, family legacy, and community pride. Its location in Edgefield County connects it to a region known for deep history, small-town character, and longstanding South Carolina traditions. Today, Trenton continues to honor its past while embracing the charm and connection of small-town life. From its early days as Pine House to its railroad beginnings and enduring community spirit, the town remains committed to preserving its heritage and building a strong future for generations to come.