Bennettsville in Marlboro County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

“The Gulf”

Photographed by J. J. Prats, March 19, 2025

1. “The Gulf” Marker, Side One

Inscription. This area has been the center of the African-American business district and a popular gathering place since the late 19th century. It has been called “the Gulf” since about 1925. Its most prominent early figure was E. J. Sawyer, Jr. (1854-1929), who was born a slave in N.C. and came here about 1869. Sawyer, postmaster 1883-85 and 1892-93, was also principal of the Colored Graded School 1878- 1893, and editor of the Pee Dee Educator 1890-1900.

The block of Market St. going west from Liberty St. to Cheraw St. got its name from the large Gulf Oil Company sign at Everybody’s Service Station. That station, on the corner of N. Liberty and W. Market Streets, was long owned by J.D. “Bud” McLeod. Heber E. Covington (1887-1952) ran a popular cafe next door for many years, as well as a taxi service. The street was often blocked off at night on the weekends for dancers enjoying the latest recorded or live music.

Erected 2012 by Department of Archives and History. Sponsored by the Marlborough Historical Society. (Marker Number 35-38.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.

Location. 34° 37.019′ N, 79° 41.134′

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W. Marker is in Bennettsville, South Carolina, in Marlboro County. It is at the intersection of North Liberty Street and West Market Street, on the right when traveling south on North Liberty Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 118 N Liberty St, Bennettsville SC 29512, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s Pee Dee.

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 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 walking distance of this marker: Workers Enterprise Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Marlborough County Court House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bennettsville (about 400 feet away); St. Michael’s Methodist Church (about 400 feet away); Confederate Civil War Monument (about 500 feet away); General John McQueen (about 600 feet away); D.D. McColl House / D.D. McColl House (about 700 feet away); Jennings-Brown House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bennettsville.

“The Gulf” Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, March 19, 2025

2. “The Gulf” Marker, Side Two

The Gulf Sign and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, March 19, 2025

3. The Gulf Sign and Marker

Photographed by J. J. Prats, March 19, 2025

4. The Gulf Sign and Marker

The Gulf gas station was across the street.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2025, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 391 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 24, 2025, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.