Clemson in Pickens County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

"Widowmaker’s” Drill

Photographed By Brian Scott, October 26, 2008

1. "Widowmaker's" Drill Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This pneumatic (air-driven) drill was once used to help make mining ore more efficient. Compressed air was fed into the drill, which operated a piston that hammered the bit into the rock as it rotated in the chuck. Once the hole was deep enough, explosives were placed inside to break the ore into more manageable pieces. Water was not used in conjunction with this particular drill to lubricate the bit so a huge amount of dust was created. The drill earned the nickname “widowmaker” because many of the men who operated the drill died from illnesses related to inhaling too much dust.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 34° 40.117′ N, 82° 49.6′ W. Marker is in Clemson, South Carolina, in Pickens County. Marker can be reached from Discovery Lane, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located near the entrance to the Bob Campbell Geology Museum, on the grounds of the South Carolina Botantical Gardens. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Clemson SC 29631, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker.

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Golden Tigers and Class of 1942 Cadet Life Garden (approx. 0.4 miles away); Heritage Gardens (approx. 0.4 miles away); Heritage Gardens Entrance (approx. 0.4 miles away); The T.L. Senn Horticultural Gardens (approx. half a mile away); The Charles and Betty Cruickshank Hosta Garden (approx. half a mile away); Hosta Garden Donors (approx. half a mile away); Hunt Cabin (approx. half a mile away); Log House (approx. half a mile away); The Camellia Garden (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dr. Luther W. Baxter (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clemson.

Also see . . . Bob Campbell Geology Museum. The Bob Campbell Geology Museum is located in the South Carolina Botanical Garden on the Clemson University Campus. (Submitted on October 30, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

"Widowmaker's" Drill and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, October 26, 2008

2. "Widowmaker's" Drill and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 5,979 times since then and 593 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.