Two towns named Hartsville show how nuclear industry decisions decades ago created dramatically different futures for communities with the same name but vastly different economic trajectories.
At a Glance
- Hartsville, South Carolina, and Hartsville, Tennessee, were both selected for nuclear plants in the early 1970s, but only South Carolina’s was completed
- The South Carolina town now thrives with a university, technical college, and robust industrial base
- The Tennessee town, which had its nuclear project canceled, now struggles economically with a problematic for-profit prison
- The contrast between these towns illustrates how industrial development impacts long-term community prosperity
- The tale serves as a broader commentary on America’s industrial policy and manufacturing jobs
A Tale of Two Hartsvilles
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, two towns with the identical name of Hartsville found themselves selected as sites for nuclear power plants. Both communities likely shared similar hopes for economic growth and prosperity that would come with major industrial development. However, their paths diverged dramatically when one project was completed and the other canceled—creating a real-world experiment in how industrial decisions shape community destinies over generations.
Hartsville, South Carolina, saw its nuclear project through to completion. The investment brought high-paying jobs, tax revenue, and sparked development of educational institutions. Today, this Hartsville enjoys the benefits of that industrial foundation, supporting approximately the same population as its Tennessee counterpart but with drastically different economic conditions and quality of life measures.
— Casey Waldam (@CaseyWaldam) November 10, 2024
The Prosperity of Nuclear Development
The South Carolina town represents what can happen when major industrial projects are successfully implemented in smaller communities. Beyond the immediate jobs created at the nuclear facility itself, the economic ripple effects have transformed the entire region. The presence of stable, high-wage employment has created the foundation for broader prosperity that extends beyond those directly employed in the energy sector.
Educational institutions that took root in Hartsville, SC, have created a virtuous cycle—producing graduates who can find meaningful employment locally while attracting new businesses that value an educated workforce. This environment fosters innovation and economic stability that transcends economic downturns, providing resilience that many American communities now lack. The nuclear facility’s reliable tax base has allowed for infrastructure investments and public services that further enhance quality of life.
The Prison Town: A Cautionary Tale
In stark contrast, Hartsville, Tennessee, represents the path not taken. When its nuclear project was canceled, the community lost not just the immediate construction jobs, but the entire trajectory of development that would have followed. Instead of high-skill technical jobs and education centers, this Hartsville eventually gained a for-profit prison facility—bringing a different type of employment and social dynamics to the area.
The prison, while providing some employment, has brought its own challenges. Safety concerns, lower wages compared to technical industries, and the social stigma associated with correctional facilities have not generated the same positive cycle of growth. Instead of educational institutions preparing students for high-skill careers, this Hartsville struggles with the typical challenges of rural America—limited economic opportunities, outmigration of young talent, and declining community vitality.
The Broader Lesson for American Manufacturing
The contrasting fates of these two towns illustrate a larger point about American industrial policy over the past several decades. Communities that maintained manufacturing and industrial bases have generally fared better than those that lost them to outsourcing or cancellations. The service economy jobs that often replace industrial work typically offer lower wages, fewer benefits, and less stability, creating a more fragile economic foundation.
Even with increasing automation in manufacturing, industrial facilities still require substantial workforces across various skill levels. Moreover, they create ancillary jobs in maintenance, logistics, and supporting businesses that multiply their economic impact. The Hartsville comparison demonstrates that despite changes in technology, manufacturing and industrial development remain powerful engines for community prosperity and stability.
As America reconsiders its industrial policies and supply chain vulnerabilities exposed during recent global disruptions, the tale of these two Hartsvilles offers valuable perspective. The decisions made about energy infrastructure, manufacturing investment, and industrial development today will shape communities for generations to come—creating either prosperity or struggle long after the initial projects are complete.
