What to see while in Blackville, South Carolina

 

“Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere; and sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.”

Anonymous

We traveled to Blackville, South Carolina, a remote country town which is located in Barnwell County. That small town is 9.3 square miles and is located in the back country of SC. This became a great area to settle before the Revolutionary War because of the great supply of fresh drinking water and was a good transportation center. In 1837, the railroad was built in town giving it an even greater advantage over many other towns. That helped make this town a great place to market and transport items which made the town thrive until the Civil War began in 1861.

                              

Today there are less than 2500 people that live in this farming community including a small group of Amish who came from Indiana and Ohio that decided to settle here in the 1960’s. They picked this area to settle because of the milder climate which was good for farming and they loved the beauty of the area. But it was difficult at first for the group, as they were not originally welcomed in the area and were thought of as outsiders. It was not until Abe Weaver, a common farmer stayed up all night to take care to a non-Amish neighbor who was ill. That made such a good impression on the neighbors and locals that after that they rejoiced in having them settle there.

It was decided by the elders that since the climate and culture were difficult for horse drawn carriages, motorized vehicles would be allowed. They became members of the Beachy Amish Mennonite Fellowship who believe in a higher degree of technology using automobiles, electricity, telephones, and a limited amount of computer usage but held onto to faith of the Amish. 

 

The main pull that brings visitors to Blackville is God’s Acre Healing Springs which is a natural spring that Native American people believed had healing qualities. During the Revolutionary War, the Native Americans found a group of mortally wounded British soldiers. They took them to the healing spring to drink from the healing spring. After six months had gone by, even with their terrible injuries, the soldiers were able to walk back to their camp six months later in good health. So this artesian well, being known for its mystical healing qualities, has become a destination for people near and far to come with their trunks filled with empty bottles to fill with this mineral water to be healed or be kept healthy. 

When we went there to fill our jugs of water, there were many others that came to do the same thing. Buses of people come here to drink from this healing spring and fill their bottles. There were local folks who set up booths just outside of the spring, selling their farm produce, handicrafts, and empty jugs to fill if when you are there if you came empty handed. It is a beautiful piece of wooded property with a clear stream that flows behind the spring. This land was owned by many who made use of this spring with its healing qualities. The last owner the land, L. P. “Lute” Boylston, thought it was appropriate to deed this special land to Almighty God in 1944 when he died. This water from this spring comes out of the earth cold and refreshing. When drinking the water, you can taste the minerals in the water which is tested often and is deemed to be safe.

Right down the road from God’s Acre Healing Springs is a beautiful small Baptist Church called the Healing Spring Baptist Church established in the 1772. This is the oldest church in Barnwell County. We just had to stop to take a few pictures of this pretty country church. Turning onto Healing Springs Road, you see a pretty blue school set back off the road named Calvary Fellowship Mennonite School, which opened in 1970. This school has beautiful windows adorned with pretty lace curtains and looked very inviting. This Christian school is private for grades 1 – 12 and only has eleven students at this time. The student – teacher ratio is 6 to 1. It is located at 2436 Healing Springs Road, Blackville.

Healing Springs Country Store is a quaint store run by the Mennonites that sells homemade goodies, canned items, homemade remedies, dry goods, fresh preserves, locally made crafts, and unique gift ideas. There is also a wonderful restaurant that sells great deli sandwiches. The ladies running this store are lovely, very personable, and helpful. This makes a great stop. It is located at 2563 Healing Springs Road and is a must stop if you are in the area.

Just a short distance from downtown, Blackville is Barnwell State Park. With 307 beautiful acres, there is plenty to do and see. There is a lovely campground with 25 campsites and 5 park cabins in the park to rent. This park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression and has great fishing on the three lakes that carry crappie, bream, bass, and catfish. Their is even a fishing pier. Some of the CCC’s structures are still standing. You can rent non-motorized boat or bring your own to use. The picnic areas are lovely and they have nice nature trails to hike and explore. Off one of the lakes is a gorgeous picturesque spillway to to enjoy. This park is open from Monday – Sunday from 9 am to dark year round.

Blackville may be a small town but it is a great place to stop. Check it out when you are in the area. It is an interesting place to visit. Till next time. Bye for now.