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.
Gopher Tortoise Square. . 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.
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.
Location. 32° 28.889′ N, 80° 58.947′ W. Marker is in Ridgeland, South Carolina, in Jasper County. Marker 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.
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 1,444 times since then and 27 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.