Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Harnessing Water Power
Downstream from where the current Gervais Street Bridge now stands, Dr. Frederick W. Green owned and operated a lumberyard, and ran a grist mill to grind flour and corn. A native of New England, Green came South in the 1830s. Water from the canal ran his businesses.
Until the end of the 19th century, most communities had at least one gristmill. Larger towns, such as Columbia, had at least one lumber operation. This mill was one of several that existed along the Broad and Congaree Rivers to provide milling services for a growing population.
Erected by S.C. State Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 33° 59.827′ N, 81° 2.925′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. Marker can be reached from Gervais Street (U.S. 1/378) near Gist Street. Along the Congaree River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia SC 29201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1896 Power Plant (within shouting distance of this marker); Gervais Street Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Columbia Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Congaree River Bridges (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Doolittle Raiders (about 500 feet away); Williams Street / Gist Street (about 600 feet away); Huger Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Milestones (approx. ¼ mile away); Old Congaree River Bridges (approx. ¼ mile away); Friday’s Ferry (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Regarding Harnessing Water Power. In the upper right is a Part (detail) of the earliest known landscape painting of the Congaree River and Columbia skyline by Eugene Dovilliers,c. 1855. The structures south of the old covered bridge, that conected Gervais Street to what is now West Columbia, may be portions of Frederick Green's grist and saw mills.
In the lower center is an illustration of The water wheel and structure of a gristmill along either the Congaree or Broad Rivers, painted by Eugene Dovilliers,c. 1850. This is probably similar to the one that was operated south of Gervais Street by Frederick Green around the same period.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,013 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 26, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on September 7, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3, 4. submitted on April 26, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.