Near Wateree in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Bates Ferry Trail

— Congaree National Park —

Photographed by Benjamin Rubin, August 9, 2025

1. Bates Ferry Trail Marker

Inscription.
You are currently standing on a historical route that once connected the cities of Camden and Charleston. Long before there were trains and interstate highways, simple paths like this one helped link distant communities, promote economic growth and provide lines of communication.

As far back as the mid-1700s this and other nearby roads were used by people from all levels of South Carolina's highly stratified society. Once they arrived at the Congaree River, their journey wasn't over. A ferry would hopefully be waiting to take them to the other side.

Throughout time this route relied on ferries at various locations to cross the Congaree. One of the earliest crossings, McCord's Ferry, was located east of this trailhead on Bates Old River. The most recent, Bates Ferry, was located at the end of this trail.

Safety and Regulations
• Alligators are present in waterways. Be watchful and never feed or harass alligators.
• Trail is 2.2 miles roundtrip.
• Trail is open for day use only.
• Camping is prohibited.
• Trail is subject to flooding.
• Pets must be leashed.
• Anglers must have a South Carolina fishing license.

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Minnows and fish eggs are prohibited as bait.
• Be alert for poison ivy, stinging insects, snakes, and mosquitos.
• Bicycles and motor vehicles are not permitted on trails.
• Fires, littering, digging bait, picking plants, and disturbing wildlife are not permitted.
• It is unlawful to excavate, remove, disturb, deface, or destroy any historic or prehistoric structure, ruin, or site.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 33° 46.991′ N, 80° 38.273′ W. Marker is near Wateree, South Carolina, in Richland County. It can be reached from U.S. 601 0.6 miles south of Bluff Road (South Carolina Route 48), on the right when traveling south. Located at the trailhead parking lot for the Bates Ferry Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gadsden SC 29052, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands

and in the Greater Columbia Area.

It is also in the

Photographed by Benjamin Rubin, August 30, 2025

2. Bates Ferry Trail Marker

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 one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: What Happened to the Ferries? (here, next to this marker); Crossing the Congaree (here, next to this marker); McCord's Ferry: The Charleston to Camden Connection (a few steps from this marker); The Key to the Carolinas (approx. 0.2 miles away); Challenging the Rebellion (approx. 0.4 miles away); Leading the Way to Victory (approx. 0.7 miles away); Rebecca Motte and the Revolution (approx. 0.9 miles away); "Obstinate and Strong" (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wateree.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2025, by Benjamin Rubin of Columbia, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 121 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2025, by Benjamin Rubin of Columbia, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.