Nestled in South Carolina, Ferguson, South Carolina stands as a testament to America’s ever-changing landscape. Once home to hopeful settlers seeking fortune and opportunity, this ghost town now whispers stories of bygone eras. Its abandoned structures and quiet streets invite visitors to imagine the vibrant community that once thrived here.
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Remarks: Visitors to Ferguson often reflect on how quickly fortunes could change in frontier communities. The site serves as an important reminder of South Carolina’s dynamic history and the transient nature of many early settlements.
Ferguson, South Carolina: An Underwater Ghost Town
Beneath the waters of Lake Marion lies a fascinating piece of South Carolina history—the ghost town of Ferguson. Unlike many abandoned settlements that slowly fade into obscurity on dry land, Ferguson experienced a more dramatic fate when it was submerged during the creation of Lake Marion in the 1940s. Today, parts of this once-thriving lumber town peek above the waterline, offering a haunting glimpse into South Carolina’s past and serving as a reminder of how progress often comes at the expense of existing communities.
Origins and Early Development
The story of Ferguson begins in the post-Civil War era when South Carolina was economically devastated and land prices had plummeted. Two Chicago businessmen, Francis Beidler and Benjamin Franklin Ferguson, recognized an opportunity in the state’s vast cypress forests. In 1881, they formed the Santee River Cypress Lumber Company and purchased over 165,000 acres of land along the Congaree, Wateree, and Santee Rivers in South Carolina. The northeastern and midwestern forests had been largely depleted by this time, making the virgin cypress stands of the Santee floodplain particularly valuable.
Cypress wood was prized for its natural resistance to rot and insects, making it ideal for exterior construction, especially in humid climates. Benjamin Ferguson died before the mill and town were built, but Francis Beidler proceeded with the venture, naming the new settlement after his deceased business partner. The lumber mill, officially called the Santee River Cypress Lumber Company, was established around 1890, and the town of Ferguson grew around it.
A Progressive Company Town
Ferguson quickly developed into a thriving company town. Unlike many rough-hewn lumber camps of the era, Ferguson was remarkably progressive and well-appointed. By the early 1900s, it had grown into a self-contained community with approximately 350 workers and their families.
The town featured amenities that were unusual for rural South Carolina at that time, including: – Indoor plumbing – Gas lighting in the streets – Paved roads – A school – A hospital – A hotel – A post office (operational from 1890 to 1917) – Multiple residences with fenced yards – Commercial buildings – A railroad connection Ferguson was one of the first towns in South Carolina to have these modern conveniences, making it stand out among rural communities of the era.
The town was connected to the outside world via a railroad spur that transported lumber to Eutawville and Cross for distribution throughout the state.
Despite these amenities, Ferguson operated as a typical company town in many ways. Workers were paid in scrip (company currency) rather than cash and were required to purchase goods from company-owned businesses in town. Examples of Ferguson scrip coins can still be found among collectors and in antique shops today.
Decline of the Lumber Operation
The prosperity of Ferguson was short-lived. In 1915, after only about 25 years of operation, Francis Beidler lost his eyesight and decided to close the mill. According to some accounts, the accessible cypress stands had been largely harvested by this time, making continued operation less profitable. After the mill’s closure, the town began to decline.
The post office closed in 1917, and gradually, residents moved away in search of new opportunities. By the 1930s, Ferguson had largely been abandoned, with only a few structures remaining as the cypress forest began to reclaim the area.
The Santee Cooper Project and Submersion
The final chapter in Ferguson’s visible history came with the development of the Santee Cooper Project in the late 1930s and early 1940s. This massive hydroelectric and navigation project involved damming the Santee River to create two large reservoirs: Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie. The project was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiatives, designed to bring electricity to rural areas while providing jobs during the Great Depression. Construction began in 1939, and by 1942, the dams were completed, and the lakes began to fill.
As the waters rose, they covered what remained of Ferguson. Unlike some other communities in the path of the project, which were relocated entirely, Ferguson had already been largely abandoned, so there was less impetus to move its remaining structures. The lumber kiln and some other brick structures were substantial enough that they weren’t completely submerged, and parts of them remain visible above the waterline to this day.
Ferguson Today: An Island of History
What remains of Ferguson now sits on what is known as Ferguson Island in Lake Marion. The most prominent visible feature is the old lumber kiln on the north end of the island, its brick walls standing as a stark reminder of the town that once thrived there. Over the years, more of the structure has collapsed, but significant portions remain intact and visible.
Other remnants include:
– Foundations of various buildings
– Brick structures in various states of decay
– An intriguing round brick structure with arched windows
– Submerged streets and walkways
– Various artifacts that occasionally become visible during periods of drought
The island is accessible only by boat, typically by kayak or canoe from Ferguson Landing in Eutaw Springs. During severe droughts, such as the one that occurred in 2007-2008, the water level drops enough that more of the town becomes visible, and it’s sometimes possible to walk to the island from the mainland.
Archaeological Significance and Protection
The submerged town of Ferguson has significant archaeological value as a well-preserved early 20th-century industrial site. Unfortunately, this has led to problems with looting during periods of low water when artifacts become accessible. During the 2007-2008 drought, there were reports of people using four-wheelers to access the site and remove historical items.
In response, the South Carolina Public Service Authority has posted signs prohibiting such activities. All items on the island, from bricks to pottery to other artifacts, are now under protection, and removal is prohibited.
Visiting Ferguson
For those interested in seeing this unique underwater ghost town, Ferguson is accessible by boat from Ferguson Landing Way in Eutaw Springs. Kayaks and canoes are ideal for exploring the area, as they allow visitors to navigate close to the remaining structures. The paddle from the landing to Ferguson Island is relatively short—just a few hundred yards—though wind conditions on the lake can sometimes make the journey challenging. The ruins are partially hidden by a row of cypress trees when viewed from the landing.
Visitors should be aware that the site is protected, and removal of artifacts is prohibited. Additionally, water levels can vary significantly, affecting how much of the town is visible at any given time. Until 2018, there was a restaurant and pub called The Brickyard at the end of Ferguson Landing Way that displayed photographs and information about the ghost town, but it has since closed.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Ferguson represents a unique aspect of South Carolina’s industrial and environmental history. It tells the story of the state’s timber industry, the development of company towns, and the massive infrastructure projects that reshaped the landscape in the mid-20th century. The town has captured the imagination of many South Carolinians and continues to be a subject of fascination.
Local historians, archaeologists, and curious explorers regularly visit the site, and it has been featured in numerous articles, blog posts, and local news stories. Ferguson stands as a reminder of how quickly human settlements can disappear and how the landscape we take for granted is often shaped by decisions made decades ago. The partially submerged ruins create a haunting visual that connects visitors directly to the past in a way that few other historical sites can match.
Conclusion
Ferguson, South Carolina, represents a fascinating chapter in the state’s history—a progressive company town that rose quickly, declined just as rapidly, and then found an unusual afterlife as an underwater ghost town. Its visible ruins continue to intrigue visitors and serve as a tangible link to South Carolina’s industrial past and the massive changes brought by the Santee Cooper Project.
As climate change potentially brings more frequent droughts to the region, Ferguson may occasionally reveal more of its secrets in the coming years. Until then, it remains a hauntingly beautiful reminder of impermanence, visible to those willing to paddle out to glimpse its partially submerged remains.
Sources
1. “The Ghost Towns of Lake Marion, Part 2 – Ferguson.” Random Connections. April 17, 2013. https://www.randomconnections.com/the-ghost-towns-of-lake-marion-part-2-ferguson/ 2. “Return to Ferguson.” Random Connections. July 18, 2019. https://www.randomconnections.com/return-to-ferguson/
3. “Ferguson, An Underwater Ghost Town In South Carolina, Peaks Above The Water In Lake Marion.” Only In Your State. June 17, 2023. https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/south-carolina/ferguson-underwater-ghost-town-sc
4. “Ferguson, South Carolina.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferguson,_South_Carolina
5. Fetters, Thomas. “Logging Railroads of South Carolina.” Heimburger House Publishing Company, 1990.
6. “Memories of a drowned town.” University of South Carolina. May 7, 2020. https://sc.edu/uofsc/posts/2020/05/memories_of_a_drowned_town.php
7. Rheney, John. “The South’s ghost towns are dying a watery death.” New York Post. July 26, 2018.
