Which city officially adopted the Council Manager form of government in 1912?

The Council Manager form of government is a system where a city council is elected by the public to make policy decisions, and a city manager is appointed to carry out those policies and manage the day-to-day operations of the city. Sumpter, South Carolina, adopted this form of government in 1912, marking a significant shift in how local governance was structured to provide more professional management and accountability.

This choice reflects the historical context of the early 20th century, when many cities across the United States were exploring new governmental structures to improve efficiency, reduce political corruption, and enhance public service delivery. Sumpter's decision to adopt this model was part of the broader movement among cities to implement professional management practices. Understanding this historical shift is essential for grasping the development of municipal governance systems in the United States.