South Carolina’s man-made lakes have a rich history, often involving the relocation of entire towns to create these new bodies of water. In some instances, sections of towns were submerged without any buildings being moved. This is particularly evident in the case of Lake Marion, the largest lake in the state. Beneath its surface lies a captivating underwater ghost town, with some remnants still visible above the water. The story of Ferguson, South Carolina, is truly distinct!
If you’re adventurous and have access to a boat, you can navigate just a short distance to explore this submerged town firsthand.
Over a century ago, the town of Ferguson flourished as a bustling lumber center alongside the Santee River. The community emerged when an entrepreneur from Chicago established a significant lumber mill in the area, which played a key role in its development.
Two gentlemen from Chicago, Francis Beidler and Benjamin Franklin Ferguson, were the ones who originally bought the land. Unfortunately, Ferguson passed away before the mill, and the town itself, were established.
In 1910, Beidler, the remaining partner, successfully launched the mill, which spurred the town’s development. He chose to name the new town Ferguson in honor of his late partner.
The Santee River Cypress Lumber Company was established as a significant milling operation. Unfortunately, tragedy struck just five years later when Biedler lost his sight in 1915, leading to the closure of the mill. He passed away in 1924. By the 1930s, the construction of Lake Marion began to take shape. By that time, the Ferguson mill had fallen into disuse and was later submerged when Lake Marion was filled.
The scant records that remain about Ferguson depict it as a large and bustling industrial site.
The town was flourishing, boasting a church, a hotel, and a school, along with several other establishments. One of the roads that led to the landing, providing boat access to Ferguson, was once the old railroad bed that transported lumber from the nearby mill.
Nowadays, the remnants of this submerged town at Lake Marion can be clearly observed by canoe or kayak. Notably, one of the old kilns can be found at the perimeter of the “island.”
Rising majestically from the surface of Lake Marion, an eerie silhouette serves as a haunting reminder of the secrets hidden beneath the water. This particular site is home to a historic kiln, standing prominently on the northern side of an island, accompanied by remnants of a forgotten ghost town that are just visible above the lake’s surface. These skeletal remains tell a story of the past that once thrived in this now submerged landscape.
A decade ago, a severe drought in South Carolina allowed adventurous souls to traverse the short distance from Ferguson Landing Way to the desolate remnants of a once-thriving ghost town. However, the landscape has changed dramatically since then, making it virtually impossible to walk there today.
Are you interested in canoeing or kayaking to explore this haunting ghost town firsthand?
The ghost town of Ferguson is most easily reached via Ferguson Landing Way in Eutaw Springs.
Interesting Tidbit: In 2008, during a severe drought, Dr. John Rheney, a columnist for the Times and Democrat, took a trek on foot from Ferguson Landing to the remnants of Ferguson. The drought had revealed the town, allowing a glimpse of its past.
In its heyday, there was once a local eatery and pub located at the end of Ferguson Landing Way.
The location known as The Brickyard was once a vibrant area before its closure in 2018. We’re grateful to have received and shared some stunning images of this submerged ghost town through their Facebook Page.
Have you ever heard of Ferguson, South Carolina’s underwater ghost town, where remnants still peek above the surface of Lake Marion? And what about other abandoned towns out there?