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Salkehatchie Region Boasts Rich Archeological, Civil War History

ALLENDALE, S.C. - While excavating a prehistoric site along the Savannah River in Allendale County, S.C. in 1998, archaeologists from the University of South Carolina made a curious discovery.

They discovered stone implements far deeper in the ground than had ever been encountered before. Subsequent excavations and scientific studies revealed that ancient humans were present in the Salkehatchie region of South Carolina over 16,000 years ago, which is far earlier than previously thought.

Known as the Topper Site, this archeological treasure is one of a handful of sites in the eastern U.S. producing evidence that humans lived in the western hemisphere during the last Ice Age. Since this landmark discovery, the Topper Site has received national and international media attention from CNN, U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek, National Geographic, The New York Times, Scientific American and Science Magazine.

"The Topper site has great historical and scientific importance," explained University of South Carolina archeology professor Al Goodyear, Ph.D., who serves as the director of Topper Site excavations. "The prehistoric archeology is so rich in the Salkehatchie region because the Savannah River served as a major 'highway' and habitat for early humans. Plus, the area is well-endowed with a high-quality flint-like stone called 'chert,' which prehistoric Indians highly prized for manufacture of stone tools."

Once each year, the Topper Site is open to the public for a five-week period. Members of the public are welcome to help with the archaeological dig in May and June of each year. For additional information or to register for the annual Allendale Paleoamerican Expedition, please visit Allendale-Expedition.net online.

Salkehatchie, which derives its moniker from a Native American word for "salt ketcher," served as the site of a French colony in 1562, was explored by the Spanish in 1566, temporarily settled by the Scottish in 1686 and finally became home to the first permanent English colony in 1670. President George Washington even spent the night in Hampton County when he traveled from Charleston to Savannah in 1791.

"There's a rich heritage in Salkehatchie," said George Estes, manager of the Heritage Tourism Office for the South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism office. "There are some unique stories in the Lowcountry."

The Salkehatchie area also played an important role in Civil War history. The Union army, under the command of General William T. Sherman, crossed the Savannah River in early February 1865 while en route to Columbia, S.C. His army cut a 30-mile swath of destruction through the heart of the region, encamping in Hampton County and converting a number of homes and churches in Allendale County into impromptu hospitals. Confederate and Union troops clashed in the Battle of River's Bridge in February of 1865, at a site which now serves as a popular state park and features historic earthworks from the Civil War battle.

"Some of the last rice plantations in the part of the world were located on the Combahee River," said Walter Edgar, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Southern Studies at the University of South Carolina and author of South Carolina History. "Salkehatchie was a big rice-growing area until the early 20th century."

Today, the area boasts a rich and diverse heritage, blending different cultural traditions into one tight-knit community. In the 21st century, tourism and agriculture serve as major drivers for the local economy. A number of local homes, houses of worship and historic sites are on the elite National Register of Historic Places, in recognition of the rich history that defines Salkehatchie.

Here is a quick overview of some of the history-related highlights visitors can enjoy in the Salkehatchie region:

Blackville Discovery Center
87 Heritage Rd.
Blackville, S.C. 29817
803.284.3976
DiscoverSouthCarolina.com/
This informative museum shares the rich history of Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell and Orangeburg counties and features interactive displays depicting he beautiful countryside and exploring the region's history. Exhibits focus on the early phase of Gen. Sherman's Civil War campaign through the Carolinas and the important role trains have played in the area's history.

Broxton Bridge Plantation
1685 Broxton Bridge Rd.
Ehrhardt, S.C. 29081
803.267.3882
BroxtonBridge.com
The site of a Civil War battleground, Broxton Bridge served as the last major defensive effort for the Confederate Army on February 1, 1865, just before the battle at Columbia. Broxton Bridge Plantation now serves as a popular hunting destination, but guided Civil War history tours can be arranged in advance.

Hampton Museum and Visitors' Center
15 Elm St. East
Hampton, S.C. 29924
803.943.5318
HamptonSC.net
This museum includes permanent exhibits related to local history, Native American lore, houses of worship, the Watermelon Festival, post office memorabilia, local politics and military history as well as rotating exhibits throughout the year.

Healing Springs
S.C.-3
Blackville, S.C.
803.284.2525
Native Americans once considered the water flowing from this underground spring to be sacred. During the American Revolution, wounded soldiers were allegedly restored to health by drinking this natural spring water. In 1944, local resident Lute Boylston deeded this land to God to ensure that everyone would have access to the mineral waters that flow from this natural spring.

Rivers Bridge State Historic Site
325 State Park Road
Ehrhardt, S.C. 29081
803.267.3675
SouthCarolinaParks.com
The site of one of the Confederacy's last stands against General William T. Sherman during the Civil War, which took place in February of 1865. This historic site, which includes extensive earthen fortifications, is on the National Register of Historic Places and stands apart as the only state historic site in South Carolina that commemorates the Civil War.

ABOUT THE SALKEHATCHIE REGION:

The Salkehatchie region of South Carolina serves as the heart and soul of the real South.
Rich in culture, history, arts and outdoor activities, this five-county area attracts visitors who want to relax and escape the stress of the city.
With its laid-back rural atmosphere and gorgeous natural setting, the region serves as an ideal year-round escape for kayakers, birders, golfers, hunter, antiques aficionados, history buffs and anyone with a passion for the outdoors.
This family-friendly area serves as ideal daytrip or overnight location, attracting visitors from across the Southeast and around the country.
For more information about the Salkehatchie region, please call 803.584.3446 or visit www.GoSalk.com online.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SALKEHATCHIE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE:

The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Leadership Institute was developed to stimulate economic development in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton Counties of South Carolina. The Institute, an outreach arm of the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie, opened in 1998 as a result of public private initiative including the cooperative efforts of the University of South Carolina, the Allendale County Chamber of Commerce, BellSouth, South Carolina State University, Clemson University, U.S.D.A. Rural Development, S.C. Commission on Minority Affairs, S.C. Department of Commerce, S.C. Downtown Development Association, and Leadership South Carolina. The Institute has continued to build partnerships and coalitions locally, regionally, and on a statewide basis to facilitate leadership development, community development, and economic development. For more information about the Salkehatchie Leadership Institute, please call 803.584.3446 or visit USC- Salkehatchie.SC.Edu/Leadership online.

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