The Order of the Patrons of Husbandry, commonly known as the "Grange", was an important agrarian movement during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Farmers during this period suffered from low crop prices, tight money policies by banks, and monopolistic practices by railroads and other large businesses. The Grange was formed in response to these conditions. It campaigned actively for regulation of big businesses, improvement of agricultural education, and the development of cooperative marketing and buying to improve the financial fortunes of farmers. Politically, the Grange often supported and was identified with populism.

The Patrons of Husbandry, or the State Grange of South Carolina, held its first state convention in 1872, six years after the first national convention. The minutes of this meeting indicate that there were 1304 members in seventy-six sub-granges in South Carolina. By the end of 1875, there were approximately 10,000 members throughout the State. During the late 1870's, the South Carolina Grange was at the forefront of efforts to improve the State's agriculture. The Grange promoted the establishment of agricultural colleges, the creation of a State Board of Agriculture, and a variety of cooperative efforts to improve and stimulate agriculture in South Carolina. The annual sessions of the Grange were a focus for discussions of methods for improving the lot of the South Carolina farmer. Addresses were given on a wide-range of subjects and debate often followed with voting on resolutions. These sessions resembled a combination of an agricultural extension short course, a fraternal lodge meeting, and a political convention. After 1880, the Grange declined in activity as other organizations grew to replace it. It did continue to function and hold meetings throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Many of the goals of the Grange such as the establishment of a State Board of Agriculture, a State College of Agriculture, railroad regulation, and the promotion of agricultural education for farmers have been achieved. The organization itself remains as an example of self-help, cooperative action, and political lobbying during the nineteenth century.