Ridgeland in Jasper County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Gopher Tortoise Square

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2009

1. Gopher Tortoise Square Marker

Inscription. Prior to the 1890's, the town of Ridgeland was known as Gopher Hill, getting that name from the abundance of Gopher Tortoises that inhabited the sand hills of the area.Gopherus Polyphemus, commonly called the Gopher Tortoise, are long lived herbivores, typically living 40 to 60 years. They spend much of that life in the deep burrows that they dig. While they still can be found in the rural areas of Jasper County, they are no longer abundant and are now a protected endangered species.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 32° 28.889′ N, 80° 58.947′ W. Marker is in Ridgeland, South Carolina, in Jasper County. It is on E. Main St. (SC 336 ) near N. Railroad Ave., on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ridgeland SC 29936, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Lowcountry.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ridgeland (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Paul's Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jasper County / Jasper County Courthouse (approx. ¼ mile away); Ridgeland Baptist Church (approx. 0.9 miles away); Church of the Holy Trinity

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(approx. 1.3 miles away); Grahamville (approx. 1.3 miles away); Euhaw Baptist Church (approx. 1.3 miles away); Great Swamp Baptist Church (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ridgeland.

Gopher Tortoise Square Marker in Ridgeland,SC image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, January 30, 2009

2. Gopher Tortoise Square Marker in Ridgeland,SC

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2009

3. Gopher Tortoise Square Marker

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2006

4. Gopher Tortoise Square Marker

Hatchlings are 1 - 2 inches long and grow about 3/4 inch a year, Adults range in length from about 10 - 15 or 16 inches and can weigh about 30 pounds. Gopher tortoises live upwards of 100 years (in captivity).

Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,851 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 8, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.