Townville in Anderson County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Portman Shoals

Photographed By Brian Scott, August 23, 2008

1. Portman Shoals Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

One thousand feet due north on a site now covered by Hartwell Reservoir, the Portman Shoals Power Plant, built by William C. Whitner, began the transmission of high-voltage electricity in 1897 over the longest lines then used for that purpose in the United States. The success of this plant caused Anderson to be called "The Electric City."

Erected 1960 by Anderson County Historical Association. (Marker Number 4-1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina, Anderson County Historical Association/Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.

Location. 34° 31.451′ N, 82° 49.33′ W. Marker is in Townville, South Carolina, in Anderson County. Marker is on Savannah River Scenic Byway (State Highway 24) 0.1 miles east of Keowee Club Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Townville SC 29689, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured

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as the crow flies. The Wilton E. Hall Bridge (approx. one mile away); Roberts Church (approx. 5 miles away); Townville Presbyterian Church (approx. 5.4 miles away); Nazareth on the Beaverdam Presbyterian Church / Townville Presbyterian Church (approx. 6 miles away); Oliver Bolt's Cotton Gin (approx. 6½ miles away); Anderson Regional Airport (approx. 6.6 miles away); Sandy Springs Camp Ground / Confederate Muster Ground (approx. 6.7 miles away); Anderson County Veterans Monument (approx. 7.8 miles away); Anderson County Fire Fighters Memorial (approx. 7.9 miles away); First Lady of the Skies (approx. 8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Townville.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. A second marker, also entitled Portman Shoals, at the intersection of North McDuffie Street and Whitner Street in Anderson, SC.

Additional commentary.
1. The Portman Family
This land was once owned by John Portman, Langdon Cheves, and Samuel Earle. Christopher Portman, sailed from England, October 11, 1679, on the ship "Endeavor" for Carolina. He is listed among the Colonial Patriots in the year 1700. John Portman, who later owned much land on Seneca River, served in the Cherokee Expedition 1759-1760.

Photographed By Brian Scott, August 23, 2008

2. Portman Shoals Marker

His grandson, John, and his son-in-law, Lieutenant William Grant, Jr., fought in the South Carolina Militia during the Revolutionary War. So, Portman Shoals was named after the Portmans who settled there.

— Submitted November 16, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.

Portman Shoals Power Plant, Seneca River image. Click for full size.

circa 1920

3. Portman Shoals Power Plant, Seneca River

Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,780 times since then and 135 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 27, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 2. submitted on November 16, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3. submitted on January 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.