SC Picture Project » Mullins

Little Pee Dee River

SCIWAY — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:29:38 +0000

The Little Pee Dee River meanders through Marlboro, Marion, and Dillon Counties. This blackwater river is a tributary of the Great Pee Dee River, which starts in the North Carolina mountains and empties into Georgetown‘s Winyah Bay. These rivers and the entire Pee Dee region are named after the Pee Dee Indians, who were the original inhabitants of the area.

The part of the river shown above is called Fork Retch and is located near Mullins off SC 76.

There are many ways to enjoy the Little Pee Dee River. Many folks just grab a beer, hop on a float, and enjoy a lazy cruise downstream. Fishing, camping, canoeing, and kayaking are also great ways to experience this scenic river. Several parts of the Little Pee Dee have received State Scenic River designations, so make sure to take a moment to appreciate its quiet beauty while you’re traveling downstream!

If you aren’t interested in getting in the water, you can always visit Galivants Ferry – best known for its political rally the “Galivants Ferry Stump” – which is located along the river. For those seeking solitude, the Little Pee Dee has many retreats, like this beautiful old train trestle.

SCIWAY contributor Warren Bennett says in his opinion the Little Pee Dee River “not only exemplifies the beauty of the Pee Dee region, but offers a stark contrast to the economic hardships the area has faced in the past decade.”

Old Train Trestle

SCIWAY — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:48:03 +0000

This old train trestle is part of the old Wilmington and Manchester Railroad line which connected towns like Mullins, Marion, Nichols, and numerous other farming communities along the way.

This image is copyrighted. You may not use it without written consent.

The trestle crosses the Little Pee Dee River between Mullins and Nichols at an old swimming hole. Summer after summer, before swimming pools scattered the neighborhoods of today, local kids would swing from ropes and dive from the sides of the old trestle into the Little Pee Dee River after a long day in the tobacco fields.

George Smith of Mullins, who took this picture and provided the historical information, writes, “I can remember my dad telling me stories of how they would go to the trestle to swim, and I can also remember the first time I went to the old trestle to swim. In this day in time those days have almost long been forgotten.”

SC Tobacco Museum

SCIWAY — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:40:37 +0000

The South Carolina Tobacco Museum is located in downtown Mullins in Marion County. The museum depicts life on a South Carolina tobacco farm, showing the complete growing cycle and production of tobacco from the field to auction.

This image is copyrighted. You may not use it without written consent.

There is also tobacco farming equipment, a reconstructed pole barn, a 15-minute informative movie, and other special exhibits. The museum is housed in the restored Mullins depot.

Visit the museum’s website for hours and admission information.

Many thanks to George Smith of Mullins for providing this picture.

Mullins Depot

SCIWAY — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:27:42 +0000

The Mullins Depot was opened as a result of the opening of the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad in 1854.

This image is copyrighted. You may not use it without written consent.

The original wood-framed depot was built in 1901 and was remodeled in 1931. This is the building that is still standing today.Mullins area has always been a farming community. In the late 1800s, the city of Mullins consisted of only a few business. One of the early businesses was the turpentine industry until the introduction of tobacco in 1894.

The Mullins Depot also houses the present-day SC Tobacco Museum.

SCIWAY thanks George Smith of Mullins for providing this picture and great historical information.