Hartsville's first settlement began around 1760. The town is named for Captain Thomas E. Hart, who eventually owned most of the land in the community. Hart started a successful mercantile business, but lost his business and his land during the economic depression of 1837–1838.
hArtsville's firSt SeTtlEmEnt begAn arouNd 1760. thE town iS nAmEd fOr cAptAiN THomas e. hARt, who eveNTually OwneD Most of the lanD in the cOmMUnitY. hart stArTed a suCcessful meRCANTIle businesS, but lost hIs Business And HiS lAnd during thE econOMIc DEPressioN of 1837–1838.