Williston in Barnwell County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Best Friend

The Railroad

Photographed by Mike Stroud, July 2008

1. The Best Friend Marker

Inscription. Throughout the ages, good transportation has been vital in setting one area apart from another. Whether for communication, industrial growth, or simply visitation, the people well knew the necessity of quick and easy travel. What began as a mere dream in 1825 soon escalated into a record- setting run of tracks finally completed in 1833, the railroad stretched 136 miles from Hamburg, S.C. to the city of Charleston. The railroad sparked the growth of Williston. Arising first as a water stop and soon becoming a major shipping point for asparagus, Williston quickly became a crucial stop along the railroad. Although the last train passed through in 1991and the tracks removed in 1995, the spirit of the railroad still enlivens the hearts of all. Without its presence, this town may have never been.

Erected 1997 by Presented by Len Clamp Eagle Scout Project Troop 65.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Places • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.

Location. 33° 24.123′ N, 81° 25.36′ W. Marker is in Williston, South Carolina, in Barnwell County. It is on W Main Street (U.S. 78) near Elko Street (South Carolina Highway

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39), in the median. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williston SC 29853, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands.

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 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ashley House - 1820 (approx. ¼ mile away); Ashley - Willis House (approx. 0.4 miles away); God’s Acre Healing Springs (approx. 8.4 miles away); a different marker also named God’s Acre Healing Springs (approx. 8.6 miles away); Healing Springs (approx. 8.6 miles away); a different marker also named God’s Acre Healing Springs (approx. 8.7 miles away); Solomon Blatt Highway (approx. 8.7 miles away); Macedonia Baptist Church (approx. 9.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williston.

Regarding The Best Friend. The City of Williston Railroad History: A replica of the “Best Friend” passed through Williston in 1928. On this occasion schools were dismissed and the tracks were lined with people who came to honor a train that had its beginnings in this section of South Carolina.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008

2. The Best Friend Marker

Looking eastward along the one-time Railroad cut in Williston, Main St.( US 78 )

The Best Friend Marker<br>Williston in Background image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

3. The Best Friend Marker
Williston in Background

Photographed by Brian Scott, March 22, 2016

4. The Best Friend Marker
Williston in Background

The Best Friend reproduction image. Click for full size.

(Laurel Leader-Call Staff Photo By Debbie Hawley)

5. The Best Friend reproduction

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,624 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3, 4. submitted on June 12, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 5. submitted on July 29, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.