The Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail (FSMT) will celebrate the unveiling of seven new additions to the historical markers along the Spanish Moss Trail at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, at the trail’s Depot Road Trailhead.
This community-wide event will be a one-time opportunity to view the new panels in the historic Depot Building prior to their permanent installation along the trail. In addition to the display, the FSMT-led Historic Sign Committee — the historians and community leaders who researched these points of interest — will be available at each panel to share more about these points of interest such as – the Battle of Port Royal, Clarendon Plantation, Industrial Beaufort, Port Royal Agricultural and Industrial School, Pick Pocket Plantation and the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
“One of our committee members, Dr. Larry Rowland, said to me when we first started our research, ‘Frank, when you kick the ground in Beaufort County you are going to kick up history.’ And Larry is so right,” said Frank Emminger, FSMT board member and chair of the Historic Sign Committee. “We have literally been kicking the ground and have uncovered events in Beaufort County’s history that have been lost or forgotten and some that never received proper recognition.”
The committee began their overall work three years ago with a desire to bring awareness of the rich history along the trail dating back to the Revolutionary War. With more than 50 historic points identified, the committee is looking forward to showcasing these next seven panels, bringing a total of 14 historic markers for all to enjoy on the trail.
With an estimated 38,000 people enjoying the Spanish Moss Trail each year, this rails-to-trail greenway is now one of the recreational centerpieces for Northern Beaufort County. With a current 20-mile round trip experience for residents and visitors, the trail offers a 12-foot wide, paved path that is dedicated to pedestrians and bicyclists. The continued success of the Spanish Moss Trail is made possible through the FSMT with a network of sustainable partnerships, local government participation, and the generous funding from community-minded individuals.
To support the efforts of the Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail, tax-deductible checks can be made payable to: Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail (P.O. Box 401, Beaufort, SC 29901) or online at www.SpanishMossTrail.com. For more information on the work of the FSMT and easy navigation to the Trail, download the free mobile app, The Spanish Moss Trail Mobile Guide, available on Apple Store and Google Play.
