History of lake marion sc. The Santee Dam was built in 1942 and formed Lake Marion by damming the Santee River. That was not the case with other plantations and residences in the area. Once a thriving lumber town along the Santee River, Ferguson now exists only in fragments — a kiln jutting from the Lake Marion is the largest lake in South Carolina, covering over 110,000 acres and 511 miles of shoreline across five counties – Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg, and Sumter. in Ferguson near his hometown of Eutawville, South Carolina. Parts of it are in five different counties. Learn about Lake Marion history, attractions, jobs, schools and colleges, churches, businesses, government, and much more all from one well-organized page. With a prime location on Lake Marion, South Carolina visitors are sure to enjoy Santee State Park. Whether you’re an avid angler, a water sports enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a serene getaway, this expansive lake has something to offer. As with many things that seem to cause trouble in South Aug 5, 2025 · Lake Marion in South Carolina is home to the underwater ghost town of Ferguson, which can be partially seen above the waterline. 7 square miles) [3] of rolling farmlands, former marshes, and river valley landscape. All that remains are some foundations and the old lumber kiln that had been part of the Santee Cypress Lumber Company. The Santee Cooper Lakes refer to two large reservoirs, Lake Marion (often referred to as the Upper Lake) and Lake Moultrie (often referred to as the Lower Lake), created as a result of the Apr 15, 2013 · Sometime last year I came across an article about the town of Ferguson, South Carolina. It has a 315-mile (507-kilometre) shoreline. . How lakes Marion and Moultrie were formed The history of the Santee Cooper Lakes is closely tied to the development of hydroelectric power, flood control, and water resources management in South Carolina,. Camping, fishing, biking, hiking and more await! May 31, 2023 · Lake Marion, South Carolina, is a true gem that offers a tranquil escape and a myriad of recreational opportunities. Lake Marion is the largest lake in South Carolina. It has a 315-mile (507 km) shoreline and covers nearly 110,000 acres (450 square kilometers or 173. Lake Marion is a large man-made lake in central South Carolina. Mims shared his memories in an oral history recorded by Oct 14, 2024 · Have you ever wondered about the history behind South Carolina’s largest lake, Lake Marion? While it serves as a popular destination for fishing, boating, and relaxation today, Lake Marion’s origins tell a fascinating story of engineering, economic development, and environmental impact. C. The lake has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape and economy of the Santee region, and Apr 19, 2013 · By the time the town of Ferguson was swallowed by the waters of Lake Marion, it had already been abandoned. The defunct town is now submerged under Lake Marion. 7 square miles) of rolling farmlands, former marshes, and river valley landscape. [1] The Santee River was dammed The Cemetery Division determined that at least 3,000 Black graves would be left “undisturbed” and thus flooded under the two reservoirs, Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, created by damming the Santee and Cooper rivers. It covers almost 110,000 acres (450 square kilometers or 173. In a few cases, at least parts of some Jun 11, 2025 · Ferguson: The Submerged Ghost Town Beneath Lake Marion By James Seidel | CC News Network | History of South Carolina Series EUTAW SPRINGS, S. The Santee-Cooper project was both hailed as a New Deal marvel, and derided for robbing many of their homes. The lake is referred to as South Carolina's inland sea. Another 5,000 graves of enslaved Africans and their descendants would be removed at the request of white landowners. The once-thriving mill town now lies underwater, part of the region flooded to create Lake Marion. It’s history has been one of controversy. The history of South Carolina's man-made lakes includes accounts of entire towns that were moved to make way for the new lakes. May 7, 2020 · When 89-year-old Richard Mims was just a boy in the 1930s, he remembers playing a game he called “Executive” in the abandoned offices of the Santee River Cypress Lumber Co. — Beneath the still waters of Lake Marion lies a haunting relic of South Carolina’s industrial past: the ghost town of Ferguson. While looking for information about the old town, I also came across the location of the old Church of the Epiphany on Church Island SCIWAY's directory of Lake Marion, South Carolina websites. Both Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie were created in the early 1940s as part of the Santee Cooper Project. It is centrally located. qllitx yqwze yrs mbrbmz otpab suhzovf izbem qmfvz zrj bzlj