Winnsboro Town Clock – Winnsboro, South Carolina

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South Carolina  |  SC Picture Project  |  Fairfield County Photos  |  Winnsboro Town Clock

Winnsboro‘s town clock has run for over 100 years, making it the longest continuously running clock in the United States. The building containing the town clock was built as a public market in the 1820s. A duck pond occupied the land it was built on and the property was donated to the town by Robert Cathcart.

The South Carolina state legislature authorized its construction but limited its width to 30 feet, giving the building a distinct resemblance to Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

The works for the clock were ordered by the town from Alsace, France, in 1837. The French craftsmanship has withstood the test of time and the clock has run continuously for 100 years. This makes it the longest continuously running clock in the United States.

The tower bell was also made in France and in days of old was rung to let everyone know that fresh meat had arrived. The bell was repaired in Philadelphia shortly after cracking in 1895.

SCIWAY thanks frequent contributor Mark Clark, an Abbeville native currently residing in Winnsboro, for providing this great historical information.

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