Just 56 miles south of Columbia, South Carolina, lies a small community with a popular Artesian well. It’s called Healing Springs and is found a few miles north of Blackville, South Carolina, off SC Highway 3. The cool water flows freely from spigots located behind the church. Ample parking is available next to the well, allowing for easy portage of the water jugs back to your vehicle.
Thousands of years ago, with the help of glacial activity in the area, this well and others were formed along the Edisto River. Native Americans used the water as a healing agent. At the same time, during the Revolutionary War, a story is told of several of King George’s finest, who were left for dead after a skirmish, but were healed by the water. When they rejoined their unit in Charleston, their comrades in arms were astounded that they had survived. The Healing Springs Baptist Church, originally known as the Edisto Baptist Church, was founded by Anglican minister Nathaniel Walker in 1772. He served as the pastor for twenty years. There are only two grave sites at the church: a mother and her daughter, both dying in 1882. On-site burials were soon disallowed as it was later determined that the practice of interment could damage the wells.
According to Robert Yoder, the former owner of the Healing Springs Country Store, he has met people from as far away as Nigeria, Alaska, and Canada, who stopped by the springs for their health benefits. Originally from Ohio, he and his wife ran the store for nine years before selling it to current proprietor Sophon Tauch. Store hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday; closed on Sundays. Famous for their hot dogs, they also serve deli sandwiches and a variety of soups.
Have you ever visited Healing Springs?
Address: Springs Court, Blackville, SC 29817.
Article and images by Bob Robinson