Why did Hamburg, South Carolina change its name to North Augusta shortly after World War I began?

The Name Change from Hamburg to North Augusta

In the early 20th century, the United States was facing the aftermath of World War I, which had started in 1914 and ended in 1918. During this time, there was a rise in anti-German sentiments in the country due to the war, leading to actions taken against anything perceived as German, including names.

Hamburg, South Carolina: Hamburg, a town in South Carolina, had a name of German origin. As the anti-German sentiments grew and the need to distance from anything German became apparent, the town decided to change its name.

North Augusta: Shortly after World War I began, in an effort to eliminate the German heritage associated with the town's name, Hamburg in South Carolina changed its name to North Augusta. By adopting a new name with no German connotations, the town aimed to align itself with the prevailing sentiment in the country at the time.

Overall, the name change from Hamburg to North Augusta was a symbolic gesture to show solidarity with the anti-German feelings in the United States during and after World War I.