After the Civil War and the freeing of the slaves, African-Americans were given the opportunity to worship as they pleased, but many in this area had no place to worship. The freed slaves began holding services under what was called a “Bush Arbor” up until the year 1885, when the white Baptist owners of this building offered to sell them this church, which was severely damaged by a fire and in need of repair. The local African-American Baptists bought this building and land on March 23, 1885 for $400.

Taw Caw Missionary Baptist Church received its historical roadside marker in 1992. Learn more about Taw Caw here.

SCIWAY thanks Michael Stroud of Bluffton for submitting this photograph and historical information.

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“Turbeville – A Small Town with a Big Heart”

The town of Turbeville is located in Clarendon County at the intersection of Highways 301 and 378 [see map]. The town has a long and interesting history that can be traced back to 1840, when Michael Turbeville purchased 125 acres of land a mile north of present day town limits.

Michael Turbeville’s sons William and Clem eventually purchased approximately 200 acres near Michael’s land and built the first house in what is now known as the Town of Turbeville.

The land the Turbeville brothers purchased was covered with large pine trees. Using this to their advantage, they built a successful turpentine still and business that lasted over 20 years. The community was known “Puddin’ Swamp” during this time.

After the pine trees were tapped out and the business was no longer making a profit, the brothers began operating a saw mill and cut and sold the timber. A railroad was built through the community, which further enhanced the Turbeville brothers’ profits.

When the Federal Government established a post office here in 1898, the community became known as Turbeville.

The Town of Turbeville today sees itself as “a progressive and energetic town” that strives to provide a family-oriented environment for its citizens. The mayor and town council have many future goals to further improve services and quality of life in this quaint small town.

Mike Stroud of Bluffton (and frequent SCIWAY contributor!) took this picture in October 2009. He tells us that “while photographing the clock, I was greeted by the Honorable Mayor Genie Turbeville, who noted that the clock was fairly new. Mayor Turbeville also pointed out to me several historical locations along Main Street. A very charming, delightful, and historic town in Clarendon County, I personally will have follow-up trips here. Thanks Mayor Turbeville.”

Even though there are no remnants of Fort Watson here, the site is listed on the National Historic Register and there is a great observation point at the top of the mound which has fantastic views.

Mike Stroud of Bluffton took this picture of the Santee Indian Mound in October 2009.

A large portion of the original town, including the courthouse, was destroyed in 1865 during “Potter’s Raid.” A Confederate scout shot and killed one of General Edward Potter’s Federal officers before Potter himself arrived in town. Some think this is the reason the US Army destroyed so much of Manning during that raid.

The small agricultural community managed to prosper after the Civil War. By the 1900s Manning had a tobacco market, a cannery, lumber mills, cotton gins, and a hotel.

In the 1930s Americans had fallen in love with the automobile. US 301, the North-South corridor between Baltimore and Florida, went right through Manning. Tourists stopped at local motor inns and enjoyed the ambiance of the small Southern town with antebellum homes shaded by large oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.

Peggy Parish, author of the famous Amelia Bedelia children’s book series, was born and raised in Manning. A bronze statue of Amelia greets visitors at the entrance to library. Today, Manning has a population of just over 4,000.

SCIWAY thanks Michael Stroud for sending us his picture of Manning’s town clock. It was taken in October of 2009.

Joseph describes his photo: “A local law firm has restored the old horse stables in downtown Manning. Located near the town square, the restored horse stables invite visitors to sit and reminisce about a Manning that was once a strong agricultural community. This is a great place to bring a picnic lunch from one of the several town restaurants located downtown.”

The project was part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal and aimed to create jobs, improve navigation, and provide hydroelectricity for rural areas. At the time it was the the largest land-clearing project in the nation’s history, with over 12,500 South Carolina workers clearing over 177,000 acres of swamp and timberland.

Lake Marion is a favorite spot among boaters and anglers. It’s known for its abundant population of large bass and catfish and is home to several state fishing records, including the record for biggest Largemouth Bass at 16.2 pounds!