It is well known that South Carolina is rich in historical sites, attractions, and legends. A quick drive down any road in the state, and you will see numerous historical markers. Yes, I am one of those who take the time to stop and read them. Many may not be aware, but Winnsboro in Fairfield County is one of the oldest cities in South Carolina, having been chartered on December 19, 1816. It boasts a unique attraction – the Winnsboro Town Clock.
“In 1785, the General Assembly of South Carolina authorized the establishment of a public market in the town of Winnsborough. This market house was a square wooden building, painted yellow and topped with a belfry. Some years later, probably between 1820 and 1830, the market house was sold to Robert Cathcart. He then donated to the town his old duck pond, a small piece of land in the middle of Washington Street, as a site for a new market house. The town council accepted the land and petitioned the legislature for authority to erect the new market house and town clock. Colonel William McCreight, Intendent of the town in 1837, ordered the works for the clock. They were imported to Charleston by sailboat and hauled to Winnsboro in wagons. Varied and interesting (if not authentic) are the reports of the journey from Charleston – Adam Blake declared it took 50 wagons to do the hauling. Whether of wood or metal, the works are undoubtedly superior; the clock has run continuously for 100 years, the longest continuously running clock in the United States.
The town clock bell was also French-made and is said to have had silver in its composition. Its tone was beautiful and silvery. The bell served well until 1895; during a fire that year, two young men rang it so vigorously that it cracked, and it was sent to Philadelphia to J. McShane for repairs. When, after some delay, it was returned and sounded for the first time, the tone was so different that doubt was immediately expressed as to whether it was the original bell. In 1875, the present tower was erected. The carpentry work was done by John Smart, an African American carpenter from Winnsboro. The old public market occupied the ground floor of the town clock and had its bell. Its tone was not as silvery as that of the clock, but it was a very welcome one when its ringing proclaimed to the villagers that fresh meat was available at the market. (It is interesting to learn that this was an old custom, not particular to Winnsboro.) The first floor is now used as a meeting space for the town’s various organizations and as a voting location. The second floor of the Town Clock is home to the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.
Image Credit: John G. Clark Jr.