From: Yvonne Deloach
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 11:56 AM
To: fclark@bigfoot.com
Subject: HAMPTON COUNTY - Communities

Communities and Villages within Hampton County

Some of these place names still had their names on maps up until 1911. While others had changed, most small communities (whether on a map or not) continues to use the same name and location until this present day. Many people to this day still refer to the old names when talking about sections of Hampton County.

ALMEDA - A small area between Varnville and Camp Branch where Hwy. 68 and Hwy. 278 forks.

BELMONT - Used to be called Pauramarega, established near the village of Garnett, SC by John K. Garnett of Screven Co., Ga., he developed may areas around this one for hunting clubs and such. Belmont was one such place.

BLACK SWAMP - In 1790 a minister from Purreysburg organized Methodists in this area near the Savannah River. They formed a church which served the nearby communities, such as Garnett, SC

BLOUNTVILLE - A community near Yemassee. One of the first Episcopal Churches known to be within the bounds of Hampton Co. antedated its name sake, All Saints, in Hampton by 74 years, the original built in Blountville in 1877, as part of Prince Williams Parish and the center of parish worship since the main chapel had been Burned at Sheldon, by Sherman during 1865.

BRIGHTON - Nestled among pines of the Garnett community and the area of the Black Swamp area was the gracious anti-bellum town of Brighton named by the English settlers for their town in Sussex, England.

BRUNSON - Located in the NW part of Hampton County it was not even a settlement until after the Charleston and West Carolina Railroad came into the area in 1875. IN 1875 the railroad reached what was then called Pineville, which became incorporated as Brunson, named after W. E. Brunson, Sr.

BUCHNER - A small community located near the town of Furman.

CLELAND - An area located near the town of Brunson.

COHENS BLUFF - An area on the Savannah River used mostly as a landing. It was in area outside of Estill and for 41 years was a part of Hampton Co. (later it became part of Allendale County)

COOSWHATCHIE - In 1788 this became the seat of government of the Old Beaufort District. For 50 years this was the location near Yemassee.

CRAPSE DALE - Was at one time a plantation located in the Furman area. It also was included in the Estill school system as being located within Furman, but also noted as being located about 3 miles from Lena.

CROCKETVILLE - A village located 4 miles north of Hampton on Route 601. It came into being as Whippy Swamp Crossroads. Little is known of its early years, but is known to have been a farming and trading center of the area with one or two stores, an inn and blacksmith shop. In 1840 the community took on new importance with the organization of the Whippy Swamp Guards, 12th SC Militia Reg. After 1840 the Whippy Swamp Crossroads was changed to Crocketville, No one really knows where the name comes from. Legend has it a teacher in the area was known as Crockett.

CUMMINGS - It was in the early 1870's that C. C. Cummings came over from Georgia and bought with him an extensive lumber manufacturing co, sawmill, and gave the village its name. It was in 1870 that Cummings heard its first blowing of the train whistle and the sawmill whistle. Cummings might have named the village, but the person inhabiting it was Robert Mixson with his large family.

DALEY - A community located near the Garnett area at one time.

DRY SWAMP - This small area of community was located near Miley in an area known as Loan Star.

EARLY BRANCH - This village was not settled until after the War Between the States. Two war-time friends Col. William Stokes of Branchville & Capt. J. H. Steinmeyer of Charleston bought a large tract of timber land on which to operate the Steinmeyer-Stokes Lumber Co. During the war Gen. Jubal Anderson Early camped at the head water of a branch running throughout the property, hence they named the village Early Branch, in his honor.

ESTILL - This town was incorporated in Sept, 1905. Estill was still a part of the Lawtonville Community. William Johnston Jr. is known as the founder of Estill. The name was chosen for Co. James Estill of Savannah, Ga. due to the development of the railroad that ran through Estill and later to be known as Seaboard Coastal.

FETCHTIG - Known as a sawmill village, it boasted a school and was near the Camp Branch, Cummings, and Sand Hill area of Hampton Co.

FROG HOLLOW - A small community outside of Varnville before you get to Almeda. This is a low section of land, I believe it is called this because of the poor water drainage, and the calling of the frogs...... But the People who live in this small community are still proud of the name, Frog Hollow.

GARNETT - The village of Garnett derived its name from John K. Garnett, a native of Screven Co., Ga., who came to the area to develop and to organize hunting clubs. Areas around these Hunting Clubs in the early 19th century were Gravel Hill, and Pauramarega (now called Belmont). Brighton & Black Swamp were near Garnett, and the churches from there served the Garnett community.

GOETHE - An area of Hampton Co. which seems to run on the southeast side of the county in which the cities of Lena, Furman, Scotia and Steep Bottom area were settled. It had the post office serving the surrounding area.

HAMPTON - The town of Hampton was established on Dec. 23, 1879, formerly known as Hoovers Crossing. This was where the county Courthouse was located and was near the center of the county. Hampton was the County Seat of Hampton Co. It was celebrated and named after Gen. Wade Hampton who made a speech among the huge trees on the courthouse square.

HAY - This small community was located near Whippy Swamp on the Brunson side.

HICKORY GROVE - This community was located near Brunson.

HICKORY HILL - This community was on the outskirts of "Dixie" or Varnville. It has the unique history of being an outpost of the war and where soldiers signed on for the war and trained. It was located on the Old Pocotaligo Road.

HOLLY HILL - An area or community in the vicinity of Varnville, perhaps as early as when the community of Varnville was known as Dixie. It was also located near the property owned by Sidney Lento.

HORSE GALL - This area is located on Hwy 278 between Red Hill and Lowndes Lake road, and is still today called Horse Gall.

HOPEWELL - 5 miles south of Hampton in Goettee Township was at one time a part of the Black Creek community. A church was formed called Hopewell. No one seems to know where and why this name was used, but it is still used today.

HUGGIN OAK - This was a community between Camp Branch and Saltketcher. It was near Deep Branch and Schaffer's Corner outside of Cummings. It boasted a school house and church. A saw mill was located in that area.

(INDIAN) CAMP BRANCH - Was also known as Indian Camp Branch between Almeda and Cummings. This community was 1/4 mile away from the railroad station and known as a sawmill village as well. It boasted a school which has since had programs still existing to this day, with summer programs of lunches served to children of this community.

KRESS - An area located near Fetchtig and McPhersonville near Early Branch, near Yemassee.

LAWTONVILLE - Lawtonville is located about 1 mile west of Estill and 6 miles SE of Seminole. It is now famous for its Cemetery. It was originally settled by Benjamin Thornstacle D'Ion Lawton in 1882. It was a scene of devestation during the Civil War.

LENA - A small community before you enter the town limits of Estill. A railroad ran through this small community which boasted prosperity decades ago. Around the 1900's while the railroad was being build the workers that camped on W. A. Lawton's land while they were working decided that the town should be named after Mr. Lawton's daughter Aline, and requested that the station be named for her. Since the station of Allendale was so near and the names so similar, Lena was decided upon.

LURAY - Located on a rise in what was then Stafford Branch in the old Browning community, the town was established 1890 by C. R. Fitts, a confederate soldier who found himself at the close of war in the town of Luray, VA. Luray was also once called "Little Chicago" because of the stream that ran so clear and sweet nearby, that it was a locale for many a still to make plenty of moonshine liquor. This caused such ruckus that it was given the "Little Chicago" nickname.

MCPHERSONVILLE - Traveling the quiet country road though Mcphersonville is a bit like seeing pictures unwind in a scroll of yesteryear. This is a summer village established by rice planters on the Combahee and nearby rivers. The hamlet is unique in that the village homes and properties are still owned largely by descendants who bear surnames of original settlers. The 130 year old Presbyterian church in the village attracts many visitors. It is the daughter chapel of old Stony Creek Presbyterian Church, built in 1743 on the other side of the Pocotaligo River and destroyed in 1865. Famous names can be found in the chapel's history. The parents of Theodore Roosevelt were married there. Ellen Axson, the daughter of a pastor of the church, Rev. Edward Axson of Savannah, was the first wife of Woodrow Wilson. The chapel was used as a hospital during the War Between the States.

MCNEILS - This was an old sawmill town and railroad station. I think it was located somewhere near Camp Branch.

MT. CARMEL - An area of Hampton County on Hwy. 3 between Nixville and Grays.

MILEY - Miley at first consisted of one small house used as a depot for the railroad and housed D. E. Miley, first merchant of Miley. Four families of Mileys lived nearby hence the area was called Miley. In the year of 1889, Major W. H. Mauller & son built a sawmill and train road through there. Lightsey Bros. soon owned the sawmill and the train still runs past this rural small town

MILLVILLE - An area or community close to Pond Town and St. Paul near the town of Hampton.

NIXVILLE - Derived its name from Nix clan who lived there. John W. Nix head of the prominent families of that area, lived near where two of the leading roads crossed. The point was known also as Nix's Crossroads and the community as the Nix community later to be called Nixville.

PEEPLESVILLE - Between Seminole and Lawtonville, to the east-SE, were lands owned by the Peeples family. They settled from about 1835 through 1875. Land is still owned there by the Peeples family.

PINEVILLE - Once was the community located where the town of Brunson was established. It was a thriving community with schools.

PINE HILL -Pine Hill was located on the old Robertville highway to Hampton, close to the present site of the late Conway Mixsons home.

PIPE CREEK - Located near Lawtonville, Pipe Creek boasted of Pipe Creek Church constituted in 1775. It is located near the Savannah River.

PRINCE WILLIAM - A community where the Prince Williams Primitive Baptist Church is located, it is located in between Crocketville and Pond Town.

POCOTALIGO - Located on the Beaufort side of Yemassee now, this once was a part of Prince William Parish. A thriving coastal town, which held training and posts for soldiers during the Civil War. A skirmish did occur here and historical markers mark the side of the highway claiming the Battle with Sherman's march. A museum is also there with relics from the past. Point South connected onto this town and is now a place where travelers gas up and stop to rest.

POND TOWN - A small community on the backroads of Hampton leading toward Brunson. From here, one can travel on back roads toward Crocketville.

POSSUM CORNER - Possum Corner is located on the Old Pocotaligo Road that leads from Yemassee to Hampton Highway 278. It is an area near Early Branch, and Lowndes Lake.

RED HILL - An area of community off of Highway 278 and Two Sisters Ferry Road. One comes to this community before you get to the Horse Gall community area.

RIDGECUTT - It is located between Early Branch and Yemasse on Highway 68 and is still called this today.

ROBERTSVILLE - Located near Bostick Cemetery, near Brighton.

SAND HILL - Sand Hill is an area from Cumming and Camp Branch located on the old Pocotaligo Road. It is next to the Highway 278 section of Hampton County. Sherman marched his way down this road and attacked the church. It was used as a Union hospital. It's doors were closed for some years after the war.

SANDERS BRANCH - Located 2 miles east of Hampton.

SANDY RUN - This is a small community near Crocketville. It runs through from the east of Crocketville towards Highway 63 near Varnville.

SANDY DRAIN - A area generally classified as near Nixville. Sandy Drain was located near the Old Turpentine Still or about 2 miles south of the present Jarrell's store.

SEMINOLE- Located near Cohen's Bluff Landing on Savannah River is an area that was for 41 years a part of Hampton Co., now part of Allendale County. The earliest explorers to this section of SC found a group of Seminole Indians who were forced out by the reckless drive of the white man for more territory. They were banished forever.

SCHAFFERS CORNER - A small community that began when Charles Schaffer located here from Germany and married a widow named Priscilla Cook Hull. They started a family and as it grew, they all lived near each other and the lands were joined so they called it then, and still do call it, Schaffer's Corner, It is near Huggin Oak and Deep Branch, in the Cummings area.

SCOTIA - In Dec. 18, 191, Southern Railroad bought a lot from Sallie C. & M. P. Middleton for $5 on a depot on the corner of Main ST. (Highway 321). There were mostly rice plantations owned by the Stokes family in this area. Scotia was named for a Scotchman working with the railroad.

SOLOMONS CROSSROADS - Located near Old Sifley Chapel near Estill in the vicinity of William E. Solomon's Property in 1899.

SHIRLEY - This community was located near the Garnett area and still appeared on the map in 1911.

ST. PAUL - An area or community listed as near Millville and Pond Town, near the area of the town of Hampton.

STAFFORD/STAFFORD CROSSROADS - Before the Civil War this area was where Ben Stafford's family plantation was situated. Today it is also known as Stafford Crossroads. Also known today as the Luray community.

STEEP BOTTOM - Was named on an 1825 Atlas map as Punch Bowl, because of the shape of the pond nearby. Steep Bottom Baptist Church was built in 1814. The original church was burned to the ground during Sherman's march through the area in 1865. The records kept of this area were burned with the church. Steep Bottom was located outside Estill, near Furman, Scotia, and Goethe, Goethe being the main post office for that area.

STOKES BLUFF - An area community along the South Carolina side of the Savannah River. Outside of Garnett, this community became a place of summer residents of Hampton Co. who built homes and owned land surrounding this area. It is still a popular summer place for swimming, boating, fishing, etc.

TWO SISTERS FERRY - This section was so named because of the swamp that divided the county in half. In order to get from one side to the other, you would have to cross the swamp. If you had no boat then the ferry had to do. The swamp ran through the whole county. The ferry was located past Hickory Hill outside of Varnville, and traveled to the Hopewell community area. The road there today is called Two Sisters Ferry Road.

VARNVILLE - Once known as "Dixie" and "Village of Dixie" it was settled around the year 1800. It once was known as the center of the County and was for all practical purposes used as the county seat. Varnville was named after James G. Varn, when the name of the Village of Dixie was renamed Varnville in 1876.

WHIPPY SWAMP - The Whippy Swamp area, as known in early days, used to cover a large area of land in Hampton County from over around Highway 601, the Crocketville area, the Miley area over to Highway 63, and up 601 almost to Broxtons Bridge. Later it was changed to Crocketville, but is still famous for the Whippy Swamp Guards. People today still refer to the Whippy Swamp area which is Owned mostly by Frank Cummings of Hampton, SC.

YEMASSEE - The most surprising fact about Yemassee is that during the 1868 changing of districts, no-one paid any attention to the parish lines, such that Yemassee is divided into 2 counties, that of Hampton and Beaufort. The division line is the Seaboard Coastline Railraod. About this time the gross part of land embraced within this parish was occupied by Yamassee Indians under the Act of 1707 and the Indians were under the Protection of the Government of the Province and to its laws. The friendliness of whites and Indians ended during the years of 1715 - 1716, during the Yamassee Massacre when the Yamassee's were driven out, and the white settlers took over their land.

 Please Email any additions, errors, or corrections to the county coordinator.