History of Barnwell County, South Carolina
Barnwell County, located in the heart of South Carolina, has a rich history that spans from Native American settlement to its role in the plantation economy and the Civil War. Named after John Barnwell, a prominent colonial figure and soldier, the county was officially established in 1785. Barnwell County’s economy was historically driven by agriculture, particularly rice and cotton farming, which shaped its social and cultural landscape. Despite periods of economic difficulty and social change, Barnwell County has managed to preserve much of its historical charm, and it continues to be a vital part of South Carolina’s cultural heritage today.
Origins and Early History
Native American Presence
Before European settlers arrived, the region that became Barnwell County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, most notably the Yamasee and the Cherokee. These groups lived along the Salkehatchie River and surrounding areas, using the land for farming, hunting, and fishing. The Yamasee, in particular, played a significant role in early South Carolina history, especially in the Yamasee War of 1715, which was a conflict between the Native American tribes of the region and English settlers.
Following the war and the defeat of the Yamasee and other Native groups, the land became more open for European settlement. The arrival of the British colonists, primarily of English, Scottish, and Irish descent, led to significant changes in the region’s demographics and landscape.
Colonial and Early American Settlement
Barnwell County was originally part of the colonial Carolina Province, which later split into North and South Carolina. As settlers began to migrate into the area, the fertile lands and ample water resources proved ideal for agriculture. Rice and indigo were among the first crops cultivated, along with tobacco. The region’s proximity to the Savannah River also facilitated trade with other colonies and European markets.
Barnwell, named for a local plantation owner, was created in 1785 as a county after the American Revolution. Early settlers built large estates, with many of them turning to slavery to support their agricultural operations. The county quickly became part of the heart of South Carolina’s plantation economy.
The Civil War Era and Reconstruction
Barnwell County During the Civil War
Barnwell County’s strategic location in the heart of South Carolina made it a significant area during the Civil War. The county’s economy and infrastructure were deeply tied to the agricultural system, and much of its wealth was built on cotton and rice farming, which depended heavily on enslaved labor.
As South Carolina was one of the first states to secede from the Union in 1860, Barnwell County was swept into the conflict. The area experienced the brutal realities of the war, with many families divided over the issue of slavery, and numerous battles and skirmishes took place across the region. Barnwell’s proximity to Charleston, which was a key Confederate stronghold, made it a target for Union forces.
In addition to its role in the war, the aftermath of the Civil War had profound impacts on Barnwell County. The end of slavery and the Reconstruction period changed the social and economic fabric of the region. The formerly enslaved African Americans sought greater autonomy, but they faced significant challenges, including discriminatory laws and economic hardships.
Reconstruction and the Rise of the Sharecropping System
Following the Civil War, Barnwell County, like much of the South, struggled with the transition from a slave-based economy to one based on free labor. The Reconstruction period was marked by political and social upheaval as newly freed African Americans fought for civil rights, while white southerners resisted changes that threatened their traditional social order.
Many landowners in Barnwell County, like in other areas of the South, turned to sharecropping as a way to maintain their agricultural production. Sharecropping allowed landowners to continue cultivating crops while providing landless laborers (mostly former slaves and their descendants) a place to live and work in exchange for a share of the crop. This system often led to debt and economic instability, which continued to affect the county for many years.
Economic Transformation in the 20th Century
Agricultural Decline and Industrialization
By the early 1900s, Barnwell County’s economy began to change as the agricultural industry slowly declined. The invention of new farming technologies and changing market demands, including the decline of the cotton industry, led to a decrease in the number of agricultural jobs. In addition, the Great Depression of the 1930s hit the region hard, as crop prices plummeted, and many farmers faced foreclosure.
During the 1940s and 1950s, Barnwell County experienced a slow but steady shift toward industrialization. The establishment of industries such as textile manufacturing, lumber, and other light industries began to provide jobs for the growing population. The construction of major highways and infrastructure projects also facilitated greater economic development, allowing the county to become more connected to nearby cities such as Augusta, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina.
The Atomic Age and the Savannah River Site
One of the most significant changes in Barnwell County’s economy came in the 1950s, with the establishment of the Savannah River Site (SRS), a large nuclear research facility operated by the U.S. Department of Energy. Located near the town of Barnwell, the facility played a critical role in the development of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, as well as the management of nuclear waste.
The Savannah River Site brought thousands of jobs to the area, significantly changing the county’s economic landscape. Although SRS has faced criticism over environmental concerns and the management of nuclear waste, it has remained a key economic engine for the region.
Civil Rights Movement and Social Change
The Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s had a significant impact on Barnwell County, as it did across the South. African Americans in the area, led by local activists, fought for greater rights and equality in education, employment, and public facilities. These efforts contributed to the eventual desegregation of schools and public spaces in Barnwell County.
By the late 20th century, Barnwell County had become a more integrated society, with African Americans gaining greater political representation and access to resources. However, challenges remained, including high poverty rates and the need for greater economic diversification beyond the Savannah River Site.
Historical Sites in Barnwell County
1. The Barnwell County Museum and Heritage Center
Overview
The Barnwell County Museum and Heritage Center in Barnwell is a great place to learn about the region’s history. It features exhibits on the county’s colonial past, the Civil War, and its agricultural heritage. The museum also includes artifacts related to the Civil Rights Movement and the development of the nuclear industry in the area.
Location
Barnwell County Museum and Heritage Center, 312 Main St, Barnwell, SC
Ticket Price
Free
Parking Information
Free parking is available in the museum’s parking lot.
2. The Savannah River Site
Overview
The Savannah River Site (SRS) is a significant nuclear facility located near Barnwell. Although the site is not typically open to the public due to security reasons, there are occasional tours and events that educate visitors about the role the site played in the Cold War and its environmental challenges.
Location
Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC (near Barnwell)
Ticket Price
Tours available by special arrangement
Parking Information
Parking is available at designated visitor centers, but access is limited to registered tours only.
3. The Barnwell State Park
Overview
Barnwell State Park is a scenic area offering outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The park provides a glimpse into the natural beauty of the area, with its forests, lakes, and wildlife. The park is an excellent place to enjoy the outdoors while learning about the region’s history.
Location
Barnwell State Park, 46 5th St SW, Barnwell, SC
Ticket Price
Entrance: $2 per person, additional fees for camping
Parking Information
Free parking is available at the park entrance.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Barnwell County is located in the southwestern part of South Carolina, bordered by the Savannah River to the south. The county is characterized by its rolling hills, rivers, and rich agricultural land. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters, making it suitable for agriculture year-round.
Climate
- Summer: Hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C)
- Winter: Mild, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C)
Key Facts
- Year Founded: 1785
- County Seat: Barnwell
- Population: Approximately 23,000 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: 43 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Barnwell, Blackville, Williston
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 78, U.S. Highway 64, South Carolina Highway 3
- Adjacent Counties: Aiken County, Allendale County, Bamberg County, Colleton County
