The public is invited to the presentation of the Francis Marion Trail Master Plan at 6:15 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library.
The Jaeger Co. was selected last year to undertake the Master Plan. The plan is based on archeological resource and existing and potential infrastructure, recommended trail sites and routes, as well as standards for facilities and interpretation.
The Francis Marion Trail project’s purpose is to identify, locate, interpret and develop sites relating to Gen. Francis Marion. This includes his campaigns in the Pee Dee, Midlands and Lowcountry. These sites will be used as a basis for the development of a heritage tourism trail in those areas.
The project was launched by a private group in 2003, and the concept was developed in 2004. A commission was created by the S.C. General Assembly in June 2005. Archeology work began in February 2006.
- Fifteen Marion sites have been identified. They are:
- Witherspoon’s Ferry, Aug. 17, 1780
- Sumter’s Plantation (Great Savannah), Aug. 25, 1780
- Blue Savannah, Sept. 4, 1780
- Port’s Ferry (redoubt), Sept. 5, 1780 to the end of January 1781
- Black Mingo, Sept. 28, 1780
- Georgetown, Oct. 9, 1780, Nov. 20, 1780, Jan. 25, 1781 and May 28, 1781
- Snow’s Island/Tanyard, Dec. 28,1780 — Jan. 24, 1781
- Watson Chase, including Cantey’s plantation/Lower Bridge/ Witherspoon’s plantation, March 5-28, 1781
- Quinby Bridge/Shubrick plantation, July 17, 1781
- Parker’s Ferry, Aug. 30, 1781
- Fairlawn Barony/Colleton Plantation/Fort Fairlawn, Nov. 17, 1781
- Jacksonborough Assembly, Jan. 8-Feb. 24, 1782
- Tidyman’s Plantation/ Wambaw Bridge, Feb. 25, 1782
- Burch’s Mill, June 8, 1782
- Wadboo Barony/Avenue of the Cedars/Colleton Castle, October — December 1782.
Meanwhile, Francis Marion Trail Commission Chairman Ben Zeigler is stepping down at the end of the year. He was the driving force behind the commission and is the first chairman.
He said it’s time for new leadership as the future looms large.
“The focus will shift to local planning and implementation through regional development committees,” Zeigler said. “There will be less ‘top down,’ centralized planning with a focus on local and private sector funding. And we need to restore state funding and establish ‘brand’ development.”
Zeigler said the bottom line is the project has to be done carefully and correctly.
“The trail commission has done its most important work now that the sites have been identified,” he said. “Now we’re going to have to turn to these local governments, towns and cities to work with us to help make this a reality.”
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