2.2. Liberty County

2.2.1. Description

Liberty County is primarily a coastal county of 302,412 people. There are ten incorporated communities in the county: Central City, Apple Valley, Bayport, Blue Water, Deep River, Fisherville, Gold Mine (part of the Roaring River Indian Community), Harvest Junction, Jasper, and Kingston.

2.2.2. Coastal Liberty County

The coastal areas of Liberty County were settled in 1752 by Welsh colonists who were attracted to the area’s plentiful fishing and hunting grounds. Fisherville was the first permanent community, established by charter in 1756. The town grew as more colonists arrived to settle in Columbia. In those times, Fisherville served as an important port and trading post for colonists who went up the Turtle River to settle the inland areas of the new colony.

Soon after the American Revolution, tragedy struck the area in the form of the “Great Storm of 1780”, which all but wiped out the established settlements. Based on historical records, experts believe that this storm was at least a Category Three hurricane. Because of this storm, many survivors left the area for higher ground, many of whom settled in the community of Albertville which is now Central City. Those who remained at the coast established two new communities on the barrier islands. Bayport was founded by merchant Joshua Masland in 1781, and Buffets Landing was founded in 1784, led by fisherman James Buffet.

These three communities—Fisherville, Bayport, and Buffets Landing—remained quiet fishing villages until the late 1880s when Bayport was “discovered” by railroad baron Robert Van Deusen. He and other wealthy industrialists from Central City bought up huge tracts of land on eastern Masland Island for seashore summer homes. To more easily access the area, Van Deusen built a spur of his Great Atlantic and Pacific (GA&P) Railroad to Fisherville and began regular ferry service to Bayport in 1891.

The “Great Storm of 1934” ended this era of Bayport’s history. This storm, with sustained winds of 130 mph and a 12-foot storm surge, destroyed homes in Bayport and the railroad line. Because of the extent of the Great Depression, most of the private property in the area was taken over by the cities of Bayport and Fisherville due to unpaid taxes.

All of these events contributed to make Bayport what it is today. Former engineer and then Bayport Mayor Bernard Marshall established a master plan for the city in 1938. He laid out the street grid envisioning a “…community of cottages for the common man. The beauty and grandeur of the sea should be available to all.” Marshall took advantage of New Deal era public works projects to begin street construction. WWII and the accompanying defense-related industrial requirements slowed these efforts, but at the end of the war development began. This includes the role of Bayport and a freight and passenger port.

Through the 1950s, Bayport’s potential as a summer resort was hampered because it was only accessible by ferry or private boat. During this time, it remained primarily a fishing village with clusters of small summer homes and a few inns. Most of the year-round residents were retirees.

2.2.1.2. Liberty County Beaches and Marshes

The southern border of Liberty County enjoys the benefits of several well managed coastal areas. In these areas, ocean beaches, barrier islands, State parks, and wildlife preserves coexist with modern commercial shipping piers and vacation-oriented ocean liners.

Liberty County’s beaches have become famous for their diversification; the four public beaches offer something for everyone. Hayward Beach on the Atlantic Ocean is a surfer’s paradise complete with State-run lifeguard facilities, two sandwich shops, and public restrooms. Masland Beach situated on Columbia Bay is a haven for families with children due to its calm and warm waters.

Like Hayward Beach, Masland Beach is also State run with a dozen lifeguard stands and information building for both the beach and Hayward State Park, picnic facilities, and a small shopping center with a grocery store and bait and tackle shop.

Fisherville and Casper Park Beaches are both largely protected from the waves of the Atlantic Ocean by the barrier islands. These two beaches are nationally protected wetland interface beaches due to their close proximity to the large brackish water swamps.

Pelican, Lowell, and Jordan Marshes are separate from the beach marshes. Unlike other regional marshes which contain brackish water, they contain fresh water from ground springs and rain.

This Liberty County stretch of waterfront is serviced by Coastal Highway State Route (SR) 1 which runs parallel to the coast and is situated on relatively high ground that runs through the marsh. Additionally, the GA&P Railroad runs roughly parallel to SR 1.

Example Map of fictitious Liberty County highlighting the Marsh and Beach areas.

2.2.3. Liberty Plateau

The Liberty Plateau is primarily an agricultural area that stretches from Jasper in the southern part of the county to the Mineral Mountains in the northwest corner of the county. Cash crops in this fertile area include sugar cane, sweet potatoes, cotton, soy beans, and a variety of vegetable crops. Central City, the County Seat, is a major transportation hub that moves people and goods throughout the State of Columbia and beyond. Some light industry is also present in the towns of Deep River and Harvest Junction. On the western side of the plateau is the Van Deusen Park and Campground, a major outdoor recreation area that brings in tourists from across the United States. Activities in the park include water sports, hiking, and nature watching.

2.2.4. Mineral Mountains

The Mineral Mountains are full of maple, oak, walnut trees as well as pine and other conifer species These mountains cut across the northwest corner of Liberty County. This sparsely populated area is used extensively by the timber industry. Fall foliage is a major tourist attraction in the autumn.

2.2.5. Albertville

Albertville was founded in 1753 by a group of farmers moving south from the coastal regions of North Carolina. They left North Carolina to avoid the depredations of one of the county sheriffs who disliked their outspoken minister, Davidson Fowler, and tried to tax their corn mash. Some historians feel that this protest is the earliest recorded anti-government sentiment in what became the United States. In 1927, in her epoch history of the State of Columbia titled Mineral Mountains Heart of America, Marion Fluman suggested that this event was the birthplace of the American Revolution. While other historians do not universally agree with Ms. Fluman, there is no doubt that Albertville, named after the Grand Duke of Liechtenstein, was the earliest non-coastal community in Columbia.

In 1778, after significant debate, Loyal County was renamed Liberty County. The city of Albertville, now Central City, has served as the county seat from 1781 through the present time. The city also was the seat of the Columbia State government from 1776 until 1799. It developed into a bustling commercial center for the mostly agricultural county due to its sea access, an important feature for the small barges in use at the time..

Not much of historic Albertville can be seen today. Other than the residential neighborhood called Albertville around R and 15th, most buildings were demolished during and after the Civil War.

The neighborhood of Albertville is made up of 35 homes. They consist of some of the finest examples of Corinthian and Doric architectural design in the United States. For almost 35 years, these columned homes allowed Albertville to challenge other communities—such as West Chester, Pennsylvania—for the title of “Athens of America.” This was a major coup during America’s Greek revival period. Some of these homes rival those located in some of the best neighborhoods of Washington, Richmond, and Philadelphia.

Albertville and its residents are engaged in obtaining additional National Historic Register classifications for a number of the homes.

2.2.2. Liberty County Map

Example Map of fictitious Liberty County showing Marshes; Lakes; Airports; Interstates; State Routes; Rivers/Creeks; Railroads; Parks; City Boundaries.

Figure 2.5. Liberty County Map

2.2.6. Liberty County Demographics

Liberty County is primarily a rural county with a population of 302,412 people. The following tables summarize the profile of general demographic characteristics of Liberty County at the present.

2.3. Liberty County General Demographics


Characteristic	Data
Total Population	302,412
Total Households	122,214
Total Housing Units	146,217
Median Age	35
Average Household Size	2.59
Average Family Size	3.14
Homeowner Vacancy Rate	1.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate	6.8%
Average Household Size of Owner-Occupied Units	2.69
Average Household Size of Renter-Occupied Units	2.40

Table 2.3. Liberty County General Demographics

2.4. Liberty County Total Population by Sex


Characteristic	Number	Percent
Male	148,484	49.1
Female	153,928	50.9
Total Population	302,412	100

Table 2.4. Liberty County Total Population by Sex

2.5. Liberty County Total Population by Race


Characteristic	Number	Percent
One race	293,154	97.0
White	183,011	60.5
Black or African American	40,600	13.4
Hispanic	47,224	15.6
American Indian and Alaska Native	3,722*	1.2
Asian	2,122	0.7
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander	604	0.2
Some other race	6,613	2.2
Two or more races	9,258	3.1

*2,722 is the Liberty County Portion of the Roaring River Tribal Community population

Table 2.5. Liberty County Total Population by Race

2.6. Liberty County Total Population by Relationship


Characteristic	Number	Percent
In households	293,944	97.2
In group quarters	8,468	2.8

Table 2.6. Liberty County Total Population by Relationship

2.7. Liberty County Total Population by Household by Type


Characteristic	Number	Percent
Family households (families)	83,228	68.1
Non-family households	38,986	31.9
Total Households	122,214	100

Table 2.7. Liberty County Total Population by Household by Type

2.8. Liberty County Total Population by Household by Age


Characteristic	Number	Percent
Households with individuals under 18 years	43,997	36.0
Households with individuals 65 years +	28,598	23.4

Table 2.8. Liberty County Total Population by Household by Age

2.9. Liberty County Total Population by Housing Occupancy


Characteristic	Number	Percent
Occupied housing units	133,057	91.0
Vacant housing units	13,160	9.0
Total Housing Units	146,217	100

Table 2.9. Liberty County Total Population by Housing Occupancy

2.10. Liberty County Total Population by Housing Tenure


Characteristic	Number	Percent
Owner-occupied housing units	88,084	66.2
Renter-occupied housing units	44,973	33.8
Total Occupied Housing Units	133,057	100

Table 2.10. Liberty County Total Population by Housing Tenure

2.2.7. Population

The following tables present the population growth of Liberty County from 1960 to the present and the population distribution for incorporated and unincorporated areas in Liberty County. The population of Liberty County by the year 2020 is expected to be in excess of 330,000.

2.11. Liberty County Population Growth


Year	Population
Current	302,412
2010	284,912
2000	247,251
1990	219,641
1980	184,073
1970	153,394

Table 2.11. Liberty County Population Growth

2.12. Liberty County Population Distribution


Location	Population
Central City	149,000
Apple Valley	5,500
Bayport	15,500*
Blue Water	4,500
Deep River	14,000
Fisherville	23,000**
Gold Mine	6,500***
Harvest Junction	21,000
Jasper	5,000
Kingston	17,000
Unincorporated Areas	41,412
Total	302,412

*Bayport’s population increases by 100,000 in the summer.
**Fisherville’s population increases by 50,000 in the summer.
***Gold Mine’s populations is split between members and non-members of the RRTC and totals may not match.

Table 2.12. Liberty County Population Distribution

2.2.9. Liberty County Land Use

Liberty County is a rural area that has large tracts of forests, grazing lands, and farmlands. Industrial areas are located in Central City, Bayport, Kingston, and Harvest Junction. These industrial areas are found along the GA&P Railroad, I-102, and I-107. The Bayport industrial area is located in the vicinity of the port. The following map identifies the primary land use areas of Liberty County.

Example Map of fictitious Liberty County highlighting how the land is used including forests, marshes, lakes, farmland, parks, grazing land, and industrial areas.

Figure 2.6. Liberty County Land Use Map

2.13. Employed Residence-Based Civilian Labor Force


Employed Labor Force	Current	2018	2017	2016	2015
Nonagricultural wage/salary workers	64,595	65,712	66,813	65,353	63,786
Other nonagricultural workers	12,520	13,012	12,540	12,570	12,555
Agricultural workers	11,330	11,340	11,330	11,350	11,380
Employed Total	88,445	90,064	90,683	89,273	87,721

Table 2.13. Employed Residence-Based Civilian Labor Force

2.14. Unemployed Civilian Labor Force Percentages


Unemployed Labor Force	Current	2018	2017	2016	2015
Percent of civilian labor force	10.2%	8.5%	8.3%	7.9%	8.9%
Unemployed Total	10,045	90,064	90,683	89,273	87,721

Table 2.14. Unemployed Civilian Labor Force Percentages

2.15. Establishment-Based Civilian Labor Force


Labor Force	Current	2018	2017	2016	2015
Construction	3,939	3,930	3,936	3,990	3,900
Finance, insurance, and real estate	4,136	4,030	4,050	4,045	4,131
Government	25,547	26,004	25,970	25,420	24,905
Mining	4,924	4,896	4,890	4,950	4,940
Manufacturing (total)	12,382	12,608	12,695	12,498	12,280
Non-manufacturing	77,000	77,900	78,000	77,000	76,000
Service and miscellaneous	19,993	19,773	19,770	19,820	19,690
Transportation and utilities	4,432	4,550	4,540	4,600	4,486
Wholesale and retail	19,698	19,760	19,770	19,840	19,665
Total	172,051	173,451	173,621	172,163	169,997

Table 2.15. Establishment-Based Civilian Labor Force

2.2.10. Central City Map

Central City (population 149,000) is the county seat for Liberty County.

Example map of fictitious Central City showing rivers, roads, parks, universities, golf course, railroad tracks, schools, fire and police stations, warehouses, hospitals, power/phone stations, Radio/TV stations, government buildings.

Figure 2.7. Central City Map

2.2.8. Central City Demographics

The following tables summarize the profile of general demographics characteristics of Central City at the present.

2.16. Central City General Demographics


Characteristic	Data
State	Columbia
Total Population	149,000
Total Households	60,215
Total Housing Units	72,042
Median Age	35
Average Household Size	2.59
Average Family Size	3.14
Homeowner Vacancy Rate	1.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate	6.8%
Average Household Size of Owner-Occupied Units	2.69
Average Household Size of Renter-Occupied Units	2.40

Table 2.16. Central City General Demographics

2.17. Central City Total Population by Sex


Characteristic	Number	Percent
Male	73,159	49.1
Female	75,841	50.9
Total Population	149,000	100

Table 2.17. Central City Total Population by Sex

2.18. Central City Total Population by Race


Characteristic	Number	Percent
One race	144,272	96.8
White	70,451	47.2
Hispanic	29,417	19.7
Black or African American	31,327	21.0
American Indian and Alaska Native	1,000	0.7
Asian	8,584	5.7
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander	298	0.2
Some other race	3,195	2.1
Two or more races	4,728	3.2

Table 2.18. Central City Total Population by Race

2.19. Central City Total Population by Relationship


Characteristic	Number	Percent
In households	144,828	97.2
In group quarters	4,172	2.8

Table 2.19. Central City Total Population by Relationship

2.20. Central City Total Population by Household by Type


Characteristic	Number	Percent
Family households (families)	41,006	68.1
Non-family households	19,209	31.9
Total Households	60,215	100

Table 2.20. Central City Total Population by Household by Type

2.21. Central City Total Population by Household by Age


Characteristic	Number	Percent
Households with individuals under 18 years	21,678	36.0
Households with individuals 65 years +	14,090	23.4

Table 2.21. Central City Total Population by Household by Age

2.22. Central City Total Population by Housing Occupancy


Characteristic	Number	Percent
Occupied housing units	65,558	91.0
Vacant housing units	6,484	9.0
Total Housing Units	72,042	100

Table 2.22. Central City Total Population by Housing Occupancy

2.23. Central City Total Population by Housing Tenure


Characteristic	Number	Percent
Owner-occupied housing units	43,399	66.2
Renter-occupied housing units	22,159	33.8
Total Occupied Housing Units	65,558	100

Table 2.23. Central City Total Population by Housing Tenure

2.24. Central City Population Zones


Zone Number	Zone Type	Population
1	Single Family Housing	5,000
2	Single Family Housing	6,000
A	Multi-Family Housing	6,000
B	Multi-Family Housing	4,000
3	Single Family Housing	2,000
4	Single Family Housing	12,000
C	Multi-Family Housing	6,000
D	Multi-Family Housing	2,000
5	Single Family Housing	1,000
6	Single Family Housing	13,000
E	Multi-Family Housing	4,000
7	Single Family Housing	2,000
8	Single Family Housing	4,000
9	Single Family Housing	9,000
F	Multi-Family Housing	4,000
10	Single Family Housing	3,000
11	Single Family Housing	2,500
12	Single Family Housing	5,500
G	Multi-Family Housing	4,000
13	Single Family Housing	2,500
14	Single Family Housing	3,000
H	Multi-Family Housing	4,000
Commercial Area and Downtown Areas	Single and Multi-Family Housing	44,500
	Total Population	149,000

Table 2.24. Central City Population Zones

2.2.12. Central City Land Use

Central City is a diverse city that has several clearly defined land use areas within the city boundaries. Industrial areas are located along the east/west main line of the GA&P Railroad and along the west side of the Roaring River. Commercial areas are found along SRs 5/10, 13, and 100. Commercial areas are also found along 15th Street and along I-107. Single family subdivisions are found throughout the city. Several multi-family housing complexes are located in the city. Two of these complex areas are located west of the river and six are located east of the river. There is a robust downtown area that contains several high-rise office buildings east of the river, south of SR 5/10, and north of the railroad.

Example map of fictitious Central City showing the city’s land use including Commercial Areas, Down Town Business District, Industrial Areas, Multi-Family Housing, Single Family Housing, and Industrial/Commercial/Multi-Family.

Figure 2.8. Central City Land Use Map

Table 2.25. Central City Construction Types


Construction	Description
Single Family Dwellings	Predominantly wood frame with some unreinforced masonry structures. No significant support at the foundations; cripple stud foundations.
Multi-Family Dwellings	Predominantly wood frame for the smaller units. For larger units in the older part of the city, mainly unreinforced masonry. Larger units in the newer part of the city are either reinforced concrete or steel frame.
Industrial Buildings	In the older parts of the city, unreinforced masonry. In the newer parts, a mix of reinforced concrete, steel frame, and tilt-up wall structures.
Commercial Buildings	In the older parts of the city, low rise commercial buildings are either unreinforced masonry or wood frame. High rise buildings in these areas are unreinforced masonry. In newer parts of the city, low-rise buildings are reinforced concrete or steel frame.

Table 2.25. Central City Construction Types

The State of Columbia has adopted a statewide minimum building code. Liberty County and the City of Columbia adopted the standard in 2009 for compliance with the sprinkler requirement that all new construction and structure retrofits in excess of 51% of existing building will meet said standard.

2.2.9. Liberty County Government

The governing body of Liberty County is the Board of Supervisors, consisting of five individuals. The members of the board are elected at large for staggered four-year terms and serve on a part-time basis. The board elects one of its own members as president to direct meetings. It also selects a county manager, county clerk, and county attorney to serve at its pleasure. The Columbia State Constitution specifies that counties elect the following 17 county officials (although the law makes allowances for varying county size):

Supervisors (5)
Sheriff
Recorder of Deeds
Clerk of Courts
District Attorney
Treasurer
Board of Schools (7)

The county manager, selected by the Board of Supervisors, is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the county government. The county manager selects five deputies to oversee county departments and offices:

Public Information Officer (PIO)
Internal Auditor
Assistant County Managers (2)
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Other officials are provided by statute. County Supervisor appointed authorities operate the East Lake Dam. The East Lake Dam provides water to northern Liberty County and southern Mineral County, the Liberty International Airport, and the Bayport Seaport. Liberty County Airport Authority operates the Liberty County International Airport in Kingston.

The County Courthouse is located in the Palmer Building at X and 19th Streets. There is an alternate Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The Nelson Center at FF & 11th Streets houses the Liberty County:

Health Department
Housing and Humans Services Department
Planning and Zoning Department
Community Services Department

2.2.14. Liberty County Government Organizational Chart

Refer to the content in the IG/SM for the alt text description of this image

Figure 2.9. Liberty County Government Organizational Chart

2.2.14. Liberty County Government Organizational Chart Image Description

1st level: Voters

2nd level: Sheriff (elected official), Clerk of Courts (elected official), District Attorney (elected official), Board of Schools (elected official), Treasurer (elected official), and Recorder of Deeds (appointed official)

3rd level: Board of Supervisors (5) Chaired by President (elected officials) and Boards (elected official). Under the Board of Supervisors is the County Clerk (elected official) and the County Attorney (elected official).

Beneath the County Clerk and County attorney: County Manager (appointed official), Public Information (appointed official), and Inspector General/Audit (appointed official).

The final set of positions in the organizational chart: Deputy County Manager (appointed official), Assistant County Manager (appointed official), and Chief Financial Officer (appointed official).

Under the Deputy County Manager: Public Health Department (appointed official), Public Works Department (appointed official), Emergency Management* (appointed official), Housing & Human Services (civil service).

Under the Assistant County Manager: Human Resources Department (civil service), Information Technology Department (civil service), Planning & Zoning (appointed official), Community Services Department (appointed official).

Beneath the Community Services Department: Public Library (civil service), County Transit (civil service), parks & recreation (appointed official), and Economic Development (civil service).

Under Boards: Economic Development, Public Library, Water & Sewer (includes East Lake Dam), Planning & Zoning, Parks & Recreation, County Transit (includes Airport and Seaport). All these positions are appointed officials.

*An expanded organizational chart has been developed for the Emergency Management Organization and it is located in the Emergency Management Section

2.2.10. Central City Government

The government of Central City is a council-manager form with seven council members comprising the legislative body. The council is elected at large on a nonpartisan ballot for four-year terms. The council elects one of its own members as mayor to preside over meetings and to vote on matters before the council; the mayor has no veto power.

The city manager, who is the chief administrative officer of the city, is selected by the council and serves at its pleasure. The city manager is responsible for all day-to-day operations of city government. The city manager carries out the ordinances of the council, makes recommendations to the council, prepares and executes the annual budget, negotiates with labor unions, and appoints and removes department heads and other administrative personnel. The manager has no vote in council meetings.

City Hall is located at Z and 21st Streets.

2.2.16. Central City Government Organizational Chart

Figure 2.10. Central City Government Organizational Chart

2.2.16. Central City Government Organizational Chart Image Description

1st level: Voters

2nd level: City Council (elected official)

3rd level under the City Council: Advisory City Boards (appointed officials) – includes Planning & Zoning, Parks & Recreation, Housing & Economic Development, and Public Library. These positions are all appointed officials.

Continuing under City Council is City Clerk (elected officials), Treasurer (elected officials), and City Attorney (elected officials).

4th level: City Manager (appointed official) includes the Deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager. Both positions are appointed officials.

Under the Deputy City Manager are the following departments: Fire, Police, Public Works, and Community Service. All of these positions are appointed officials.

Under the Community Service Department: Parks & Recreation (appointed official), City Transit (civil service), Public Library (civil service), and Housing & Economic Development (civil service).

Under the Assistant City Manager are the following departments: Human Resources (civil service), Information Technology (civil service), Planning & Zoning (appointed official), and Finance Department (appointed official).

Under the Finance Department: Finance Office, Purchasing Office, and Tax Administration. All three of these positions are civil service.

2.2.17. Governments of Other Communities in Liberty County

The governments of smaller communities in Liberty County are organized as follows:

Communities of 0 to 25,000 have a mayor and a five-member council.
Communities of 25,000 to 50,000 have a mayor and a seven-member council.

Figure 2.11. Other Communities in Liberty County Government Organizational Chart

2.2.17. Governments of Other Communities in Liberty County Image Description

1st level: Voters

2nd level: City Council (elected official)

3rd level under the City Manager (appointed official)

4th level: Fire Department (appointed official), Police Department (appointed official), Public Works Department (appointed official), and Administration (civil service)

2.26. Liberty County Interstate Highway


Interstate	Description	Alignment
I-107	Coastal Liberty County to Mineral County through the western portion of Central City	North-South
I-102	Green County to Granite County passing southwest of Central City	East-West

Table 2.26. Liberty County Interstate Highways

2.27. Liberty County State Roads


State Roads	Description	Alignment
State Route 3	Apple Valley to the Coastal Highway	North-South
State Route 19	From Mineral County through Central City to Coastal Highway	North-South
Highway 69	Harvest Junction through Kingston and Jasper to the Coastal Highway	North-South
State Route 13	Central City to SR 52	North-South
Forder Pike	Jasper towards Central City (from SR19 to SR 69)	North-South
Fowler Pike	Central City north to SR 52 (part of SR 5)	North-South
Orchard Pike	Deep River past Apple Valley	North-South
State Route 1	Coastal Highway connects to I-107	East-West
State Route 1A	Island Highway	East-West
State Route 5	Gold Mine to Central City	East-West
State Route 18	Jasper to Van Deusen Park and Campground	East-West
State Route 10	Harvest Junction through Central City to Apple County	East-West
State Route 52	South of Gold Mine past East Lake	East-West
State Route 100	From I-102 east through Central City to SR 10	East-West
State Route 22	From Hwy 69 east through Harvest Junction to Green County	East-West

Note: See Figure 2.7., “Liberty County Map” for reference.

Table 2.27. Liberty County State Roads

2.2.11.1. Railroads

The GA&P Railroad operates and maintains two lines within Liberty County. The line running east-west, paralleling SR 10, is both a passenger and a freight route. Passenger trains are scheduled to pass through Central City daily at 7:30 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. There are four freight trains scheduled during the late evening and mid-morning hours. The rail line running from Mexico through Tower Beach to Fisherville continuing through Jasper is strictly a freight line, hauling mining machinery and material. An excursion railroad, the Liberty Railway Adventures (LRA), runs sightseeing and dinner theme trains during warm weather to Van Deusen Park and to Bayport.

2.2.11.2. Airport

The Liberty International Airport, located east of Kingston in the southeast part of the State, is capable of handling large passenger and cargo planes. With runways of 9,000, 10,300, and 13,120 feet, the Liberty International Airport has the capability of serving all commercial aircraft in use. Direct flights are available to the District of Columbia (DC), New York, Atlanta, Detroit, Dallas/ Fort Worth, Chicago, Charlotte, Newark, and Houston. There is also a dedicated freight facility for international air cargo shipments.

The international freight terminal handles daily flights from Canada and Mexico as well as weekly flights from many major European cities. Occasional flights from the Middle East are also scheduled. Last year there were approximately 33,000 departures from Liberty International, with 810,796 passengers boarding flights. Additionally, 300,000 pounds of United States (U.S.) Mail and 4,750,000 pounds of freight were handled at Liberty International Airport.

2.2.11.3. Seaport

The Bayport Seaport is located in the city of Bayport on the eastern part of Masland Island. Cargo and cruise ships moor at a special series of docks located east of I-107. West of I-107, private vessels moor at the municipal piers. A fuel depot (tank farm) serves the seaport on the mainland just south of Fisherville. There is a significant fishing operation on the Columbia Bay between Masland Island and the primary shore of Columbia. It runs from Bayport to the southwest end of the island. Many sport fishermen operate from Bayport, Fisherville, Harbor Place, and Tower Beach locations.

Example map of fictitious Buffets Landing (Unincorporated), City of Bayport showing locations of the refinery, fire stations, police station, schools, ports of entry, railroads, hospitals, parks, and piers.

Figure 2.12. Buffets Landing (Unincorporated), City of Bayport Map

2.2.12. Liberty Coliseum

The Liberty Coliseum was completed in 1985 and accommodates the Lightning, a semiprofessional basketball team; the Pounders, a semiprofessional hockey team; and the Liberty Regional Concert Orchestra. The coliseum seats 12,000 people and has parking facilities for 8,000 cars. It is located at the intersection of SR 10 and I-102.

2.2.13. Convention Center

The Convention Center was built in 1976 and has 95,000 square feet of usable floor space, 350 exhibit booths, and meeting space for 8,000 people. It is co-located with the Liberty Coliseum and shares parking facilities.

2.2.14. John Chapman County Fairgrounds

The John Chapman Fairgrounds is located on SR 3 just south of Apple Valley. In continuous operation since 1887, the fairgrounds houses an outdoor stage, exhibit rinks, and indoor displays as well as food tents and animal exhibits. There is parking for 5,400 cars, and it is within walking distance of the Apple Valley Railroad Station.

2.2.17.4. Liberty County Fairgrounds

The Liberty County Fairgrounds are centrally located within one mile of Interstate 107, just northwest of Central City. The indoor and outdoor facilities at the Liberty County Fairgrounds are available for rent and are utilized throughout most of the year. Trade fairs, craft shows, festivals, and the annual Liberty County fair and rodeo are hosted at the fairgrounds. The land area consists of 127 acres. On-site parking is available for 7,500 vehicles. Overnight RV parking is also available.

Layout of fictitious Liberty County Fairgrounds showing buildings 1-11 locations (event center, exhibit halls, indoor arena, livestock barns, outdoor arena, horse stalls, outdoor stage, and grandstand) , parking, midway area, and horse race track.

Figure 2.13. Liberty County Fairgrounds

Table 2.28. Liberty County Fairground Facilities


Building #	Name	Amenities
1	Event Center	93,000 sq. ft. heated indoor arena 150' x 300' arena floor (dirt floor) Fully equipped for rodeos and horse events 100' x 300' concrete exhibit and bleacher seating Two concession booths 60' x 300' livestock barn with wash racks ATM is available at the front entrance. Permanent bleacher seating is 3,100 but seating capacity depends on the event.
2	Multi-Purpose Exhibit Hall #1	Fairgrounds Business Office 104' x 110' Hall #1 Maximum seating is 900 people. One concession counter Two 40' x 40' air conditioned meeting rooms Seating capacity for each room is 85–100 people. Restrooms
3	Exhibit Hall #2 (Blue Exhibit Hall)	60' x 70' multiple use space Maximum seating is 250 people. Air conditioned One concession counter Restrooms
4	Indoor Arena	30,000 sq. ft. heated indoor arena 100' x 240' arena floor (dirt floor) 25' x 240' concrete exhibit and bleacher seating Full-service concession stand Bleacher seating is 900 but portable bleachers are available. Restrooms
5	Butler Livestock Barn	60' x 300' open sided North end of the barn has an 80' concrete slab. Wash racks are adjacent to the barn for washing and grooming animals.
6	Fleming Livestock Barn	60' x 180' metal building. West side of the building is sided; the rest is open. Wash racks are adjacent to the barn for washing and grooming animals. Building may be used for a multitude of events or projects (animal pens, displays, portable stalls, or exhibit area). Restrooms with showers
7	Outdoor Arena	150' x 260' paneled arena (lighting available for evening events) Fully equipped for rodeos and horse-related events (8 bucking chutes, roping chute, pens, return alleys, fully enclosed announcers stand with public address (PA) system, warm up area, and stripping chute). Partially covered spectator seating (approximately 900 permanent seats) Covered handicapped seating Restrooms
8	Horse Stalls	88 permanent horse stalls, fully enclosed with split doors 14 open faced stalls 80 additional portable stalls are available under a covered 56' x 250' barn
9	Outdoor Stage	18' x 20' covered stage Park-like setting Special stage lighting not available; utility power available
10	RV Parking	Spaces available year-round Power, water, and sewer hookups available
11	Grandstand	Balcony seating for 2,000 Ground floor standing for 4,000 Night racing under the lights in the summer season

Table 2.28. Liberty County Fairground Facilities

2.2.15. Fluman Sloane Stadium

Located just northeast of Harvest Junction is Fluman Sloane Stadium, home of the Central City Pounders, a Double A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The stadium is also used for baseball playoffs of local college and high school teams. It has outdoor seating for 9,700 and parking for 5,100 cars.

Table 2.29. Major Employers

The following is a partial listing of the county’s major employers, their products or services, and their number of employees:


Facility	Employees	Product
Bayport Refinery	1302	Oil Refinery
Bayport Seaport	1143	Shipping & Receiving
Blue Water Nuclear Facility	1039	Electricity
Central City Hospital	958	Medical Facility
Colonial Baking Company	626	Baking
Columbia State Prison	1300	State Prison
Columbia State University	2062	Education
Columbia Veterans Hospital	564	Medical Facility
Criswell Chemical	1207	Chemical Refining
Dorsey Drug Company	510	Medicine
Dupont Chemical	4243	Missile Fuel, Solvents
Edison Electric	455	Electric Generation & Distribution
Eicker Electronics	876	Electronic Components
Faith Hospital	620	Medical Facility
Farmers A&M University	725	Educational
Fay Fertilizer Company	401	Fertilizer
Fisherville Port Fuel Enbarquement Facility	403	Bulk Oil Reception from Barges and Tankers
Fisherville Bulk Fuel Storage	407	Fuel Storage
Fisherville LNG Bulk Storage	457	LNG Storage and Transfer Facility
Great Grapes Winery	401	Wine
Huge Mining Company	5010	Coal
Lance Glass Company	450	Glass/Bottles
Liberty County Regional Postal Facility	750	Regional Postal Services
Liberty International Airport	1027	Air Transportation
Palumbo Plastics Company	417	Plastics
Liberty County Regional Postal Facility	750	Regional Postal Services

2.2.18. Major Employers

Table 2.30. County Library System

Liberty County has created an extensive library system that has established a library in each incorporated Liberty County community. The Liberty County Library System has ten branch locations all supported through the main branch in Central City. The table below shows where those libraries are located. The main library has 50 employees that provide administrative, logistical, and maintenance support for all of the branches. The main library also runs a bookmobile to outlying areas of the county. Liberty County began training library employees to work as Public Information Officers (PIOs) during emergencies in the late 1990’s. This program has become very successful and has been copied by several jurisdictions in the State of Columbia. xt:


Name	Address	Location	Number of Employees	Number of Trained PIOs
Central City Branch	D & 10th Streets	Central City	12	3
Central City Main	U & 22nd Streets	Central City	50	7
Apple Valley Branch	123 Van Deusen Park Hwy	Apple Valley	5	0
Bayport Branch	816 Marine Blvd	Bayport	8	2
Blue Water Branch	46 Comanche Drive	Blue Water	3	0
Deep River Branch	722 Main Street	Deep River	8	2
Fisherville Branch	1433 Coastal Highway	Fisherville	9	2
Gold Mine Branch	89 Cherokee Drive	Gold Mine	3	0
Harvest Junction Branch	445 King Street	Harvest Junction	10	3
Jasper Branch	14 Center Street	Jasper	8	0
Kingston Branch	224 Market Street	Kingston	8	2

Table 2.30. Liberty County Library System

2.2.17. Educational Facilities

The county encompasses six school districts including Liberty County School District, Central City Municipal Separate School District, Fisherville Municipal Separate School District, Harvest Junction Municipal Separate School District, Kingston Municipal Separate School District, and the Bayport Municipal School District. There are also multiple private schools run by places of worship and for-profit organizations.

Table 2.31. Liberty County Public School Enrollment

The county’s public school enrollment for the last ten years is as follows:


School Year	Enrollment
Present	28,429
Last year	27,596
2 years ago	27,485
3 years ago	27,205
4 years ago	27,060
5 years ago	26,915
6 years ago	26,795
7 years ago	26,589
8 years ago	26,390
9 years ago	26,291
10 years ago	26,112

Table 2.31. Liberty County Public School Enrollment

2.2.17. Educational Facilities (2 of 2)

Columbia State University (CSU), located at KK Street and 29th Street in Central City, has an annual enrollment of 15,000 students. Farmers A&M University, also located in Central City at GG Street and 4th Street, has an annual enrollment of 5,500 students.

2.32. Hospitals in Liberty County


Hospital	Address	Location	Beds
Central City Hospital	D & 31st Streets	Central City	360
Columbia Veterans Hospital	J & 7th Streets	Central City	100
Faith Hospital	S & 14th Streets	Central City	110
Levine Hospital	MM & 17th Streets	Central City	43
Bayport Clinic	5th Ave & Bay Blvd	Bayport	10
Noble General Hospital	S & 1st Streets	Fisherville	100
Harvest Junction Community Hospital	C & 3rd Streets	Harvest Junction	100
Kingston Regional Medical Facility	P & 18th Streets	Kingston	100

Table 2.32. Hospital Locations