[9] After the war, Sumter grew and prospered, using its large railroad network to supply cotton, timber, and by the start of the 20th century, tobacco to the region.

Sumter became increasingly known for textiles, manufacturing, biotech industries, special chemistry (Branch of Swiss-based Ems-Chemie), thriving retail environment, and medical center of its region in addition to agricultural products, which makes it a hub for business in the east-central portion of South Carolina.

[12] Local and nearby sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places include: On September 17, 2024, the National Park Service announced that the City of Sumter and Sumter County were jointly named a World War II Heritage City.

[13] Known as the Gamecock City, Sumter lies near the geographic center of the state of South Carolina at 33°55′37″N 80°21′49″W / 33.92694°N 80.36361°W / 33.92694; -80.36361 (33.926942, -80.363541).

Sumter City Council is responsible for making policies and enacting laws, rules, and regulations to provide for future community and economic growth.

The base was named in honor of 1st Lt. Ervin David Shaw, one of the early Americans to fly combat missions in World War I.

SWRTA operates express shuttles and a bus service serving Sumter and the communities within the county.

The authority was established in October 2002 after SCANA released ownership of public transportation back to the City of Sumter.

In recent years, SWRTA added natural gas-powered buses to its small fleet, and has plans to expand.

The park is also home to some of the nation's most intensive plantings of Japanese Iris, which bloom yearly in mid to late May and last until the beginning of June.

[32] This area was first developed in 1927 as a private fishing retreat by Hamilton Carr Bland, a local businessman.

At the same time he was developing the 30 acres (12 ha) of swamp on what is now the north side of West Liberty Street, he was landscaping the grounds of his home with Japanese iris.

They failed miserably, and after consulting expert horticulturists from as far away as New York, he ordered his gardener to dig up the bulbs and dump them at the swamp.

Riley Park was home to the Braves from 1985 until 1990, when the team left Sumter for Macon, Georgia.

Notable Sumter Braves who went on to Major League success include Tom Glavine, David Justice, Kevin Brown (right-handed pitcher), Mark Wohlers, Ryan Klesko, and Vinny Castilla.

[34] Riley continues to be the home of the P-15s, an American Legion baseball team with a long history of success.

[35] They advanced to the 2006 American Legion World Series in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where they finished fourth nationally.

The P-15s made a return trip to the American Legion World Series hosted by Shelby, NC in 2008 and 2009.

Sumter is also the home of pro basketball star Ray Allen, who had an 18-year career in the NBA.