With South Carolina being one of the first original 13 colonies, it’s no surprise the state would have plenty of historical sites and really old attractions. Branchville, for example, one of the smallest towns in the state, is home to the oldest railroad junction in the world. Then, there’s the oldest road in America that begins in our state! And we’ve discovered another “oldest” attraction to share with you — the oldest clock in the United States is the Winnsboro town clock in South Carolina.
Winnsboro is a small town with a population of 3,163 as of 2021.
Google Maps [streetview]
The circa 1833 clock building started as a public market. The bell would sound on “butchering days” to let people know that fresh meat was available at the market. It also would sound as an alarm for fires, danger, curfew, and special announcements.
Fred D. Nichols, Photographer/Wikimedia Commons
The building has also served as the town’s firehouse, community meeting room, and home of the Fairfield County Chamber (second floor) from 1947 until 2011.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
The current tower structure was built in 1875 and is the most familiar landmark in old town Winnsboro.
Town of Winnsboro/Facebook
The bricks came from Charleston and it’s been said that 50 wagons were needed, as well as three weeks to travel to Charleston and back to transport the bricks. Works for the clock were ordered from Alsace, France by Colonel William McCreight, the Town Intendent.
Town of Winnsboro/Facebook
The clock was wound by a windlass with large wire cables and was later wired to run electrically.
Town of Winnsboro
The clock continues to keep Winnsboro on time today!
Town of Winnsboro/Facebook
Have you ever visited any of these oldest attractions in South Carolina? Did you know about them? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below — we would love to hear from you!
Google Maps [streetview]
Fred D. Nichols, Photographer/Wikimedia Commons
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Town of Winnsboro/Facebook
Town of Winnsboro
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Address: Winnsboro Town Clock, 100 N Congress St, Winnsboro, SC 29180, USA
