Turbeville Town Clock – Clarendon County, South Carolina

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.”