Hamburg in Aiken County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Western Terminus South Carolina Railroad

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2010

1. Western Terminus South Carolina Railroad Marker

Inscription.
Near the foot of this bluff in the old town of Hamburg stood the western terminus of the S.C. Canal and Rail Road Co. Begun in 1830, it was the first steam operated railroad to offer regular passenger service and to carry U.S. mail. Completed in 1833 to this point 136 miles from Charleston, it was the world's longest railroad.

Erected 1962 by Aiken County Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2-2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina, Aiken County Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.

Location. 33° 28.709′ N, 81° 57.176′ W. Marker is in Hamburg, South Carolina, in Aiken County. Marker is at the intersection of River North Drive and Jefferson Davis Highway (U.S. 78), on the left when traveling east on River North Drive. Located at the foot of the northbound ramp. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: North Augusta SC 29841, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hamburg (here, next to this marker); Former Site of WJ Rutherford & Co Brickyard (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Georgia's State Capital (approx. 0.4

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miles away in Georgia); Jefferson Davis Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away in Georgia); The First Academy of Richmond County (approx. 0.4 miles away in Georgia); Fort Augusta (approx. half a mile away in Georgia); Railroads (approx. half a mile away in Georgia); The Colonial Church of Augusta (approx. half a mile away in Georgia); U.S. Marshal Robert Forsyth (approx. half a mile away in Georgia); Five Indian Nations (approx. half a mile away in Georgia).

More about this marker. The refurbished marker was relocated 600 yards south of its original location (GPS 33.48244, -81.94986)

Also see . . . South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company , Wikipedia entry. The line was a commercial success despite price competition against riverborne traffic and later railroad projects in Georgia. Its initial cost of about $1,000,000 was doubled by early way improvements, at that price still quite economical. (Submitted on February 22, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 31, 2010

2. Western Terminus South Carolina Railroad Marker

Original location on Jefferson Davis Highway.

S. C. Canal and Rail Road Co. Map image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress

3. S. C. Canal and Rail Road Co. Map

Photographed By Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023

4. Western Terminus South Carolina Railroad Marker

Refurbished marker (on left) at new location.

Photographed By Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023

5. Western Terminus South Carolina Railroad Marker

Refurbished marker at new location on the ramp to US-78N.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,641 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 24, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4, 5. submitted on January 2, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.