Like something from a movie, in 1985, Joyce Bailey Mattox, of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, devised a plan to rescue her love interest, Jesse Glenn Smith. There was only one problem: Smith was an inmate, serving a lengthy prison sentence at the time. No one knows how Mattox became acquainted with the prisoner. It has…
The Historic Old Stone Church
Old Stone Church, which now resides in Clemson, was constructed in 1802 in the Pendleton District. Many are laid to rest in the cemetery, including Andrew Pickens, Robert Anderson, patriots, pioneers of industry and education, and 45 Confederate soldiers. Written By: John G. Clark Jr Image By John G. Clark Jr.
The 1934 Chiquola Mill Massacre
The Chiquola Mill Massacre, also known as Bloody Thursday, occurred on September 6, 1934, in Honea Path, South Carolina. During a textile workers’ strike, seven striking workers were killed and at least 30 others were injured when Dan Beacham, the mayor and magistrate in the small town, ordered armed townsmen, deputized by him, to fire…
The 1987 Carowinds Wave Pool Shooting
On June 7, 1987, a horrible tragedy unfolded at the popular Carowinds amusement park on the North and South Carolina state border when two girls were struck by stray bullets while playing in the wave pool in the Ocean Island section. A 16-year-old from Rock Hill was killed in the incident, while a 6-year-old from…
Is Chester County sitting on the Lost Confederate Gold from the Civil War
In April 1865, the Civil War came to a close for most Americans. The war and its various aspects continue to capture the interest and imagination of many Americans who are fascinated by the battles, leaders, and strategies displayed during that conflict. Mysteries endure, too, including the ultimate disposition of the Confederate Treasury. One of…
The Story of Snap! Crackle! and Pop! Rock Hill, SC
In 1928, Kellogg’s released Rice Krispies on store shelves in America. It was an instant hit with consumers. In 1932, the words Snap! Crackle! Pop! first appeared on a box of the popular cereal. However, it wasn’t until 1933 that the brand introduced its iconic characters, which would forever transform the breakfast game. Artist Vernon…
The Belton Standpipe
The Belton Standpipe, historically known as the Belton Waterworks Tower, is a 155-foot-tall concrete water tower located near downtown Belton, South Carolina. Construction began in 1908 and was completed in 1909. It is the tallest of three standpipe water towers in South Carolina. The tower was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on…
The Lockhart Canal
Lockhart, South Carolina, is full of history. Not only was Pinckneyville located nearby on the Broad River, which many considered the “Charleston” of the upcountry during the late 1700s and early 1800s, but Lockhart is home to a famous waterway. The Lockhart Canal, designed by Robert Mills, was completed in 1823. It was part of…
The Good Dentist Snaps
If walls could talk, many could write a novel, especially the walls inside older buildings around the state. Spartanburg, South Carolina, is no stranger to haunted history, with a dark past marked by unthinkable atrocities. At The Lantern, we have highlighted many of these paranormal hotspots and the city’s history in the past. One story…
SC Man Built A UFO Welcome Center In His Backyard To Welcome Aliens
You may be thinking, don’t things like this only happen in Florida? No, South Carolina comes in second in the United States for the strangest or most uncommon things. Welcome to Bowman, South Carolina, where Jody Pendarvis decided to construct his very own UFO Welcome Center in his backyard. His reasoning? Aliens need a place…