JOINT BASE CHARLESTON –
We live in a modern world, one in which we strive to make life easier, safer and more enjoyable. After all, we're only here for a short time, so we should make the most of it. Progress in communications, information technology and warfare is what makes this country the sole superpower in the world. Why just last month they repaved Redbank Road. That is most definitely a sign of progress.
But what if we wanted to take a step back to a simpler time and go to a place where we can leave our technological world behind and enjoy the natural world in all its pristine glory. Do such places even exist anymore?
For those of you unfamiliar with Joint Base Charleston-Weapons Station, as you drive down that freshly paved Redbank Road, consider making a left turn into a world that few people have explored; Marrington Plantation. It's more than 1,600 acres of pristine woodlands that now serves as one of the premier military recreational facilities in the world.
In "A History of the lands Occupied by Naval Weapons Station Charleston," Natural Resource Manager Terrence Larimer explains that prehistoric Native Americans occupied the area we know as Goose Creek as far back as 1,500 BC, although they never established permanent villages. Instead, they followed the seasons, moving across the land as necessary to grow crops with the changing seasons.
The first European settlers came to the Charleston area around 1670. The deep waters of the Cooper River and small inlets and creeks made the area around Marrington ideal for shipping agricultural goods to the major port of Charleston where they could be shipped back to Europe.
Using slave labor, the inland swamplands were cleared and cultivated for rice production and in fact, many of the earthen banks used to dam the waters are still present on the plantation. Additionally, the banks of the creeks and rivers provided an excellent source of clay used to make bricks that would build the numerous plantation houses in the area as well as being shipped to Charleston for construction there. And although we use the name Marrington Plantation, the area was actually comprised of several different plantations that changed hands and boundary lines throughout the years and merged late in the nineteenth century to become Marrington Planatation.
Today, little remains of the plantations that prospered years ago. But, hints of this once truly southern way of life are still visible, if you know where and what to look for.
If you head down to Mary's landing along Foster creek, evidence of the thriving brick industry can still be found along the water's edge. Once productive rice fields are now freshwater ponds that no longer produce rice, but instead are homes for turtles and alligators and snakes. Numerous sites are prime archaeological areas and must remain undisturbed. In fact, two sites have been recommended as eligible for the National Record of Historic Places and 33 other sites are potentially eligible.
But perhaps the best part of Marrington Plantation can be found in its wealth of recreational activities within its borders. Besides the serenity of being in the deep woods so close to civilization, is the availability of hunting and fishing , wildlife watching, ball fields, and picnic areas. And don't forget the yearly Fourth of July Freedom Fest where hundreds of people gather for an all-American celebration including a spectacular fireworks display.
And then there are the trails. Whether you're a hiker, mountain biker or horse lover (stables are available for boarding), the Marrington trails constitute the best multi-use trail system in the lower part of the state. In addition to mountain bikers, dozens of cross-country runners and hikers can be seen on any given afternoon or weekend using the trail system to keep fit. Of course, you're not going to encounter steep drops and hills as this is the Lowcountry, but the clearly marked red loop currently traverses 13 miles of pine and hardwood forests. Cyclists are required to wear helmets and respect other users of the trail system. Non-DoD personnel using the trail system are required to have a Marrington Patron Pass available at the Outdoor Adventure Center.
So when you're looking to unwind a bit by sitting back and looking at the beautiful scenery of the Lowcountry as it existed hundreds of years ago, or ready to try out that new mountain bike by hitting the trails, make it a point to visit one of the finest recreation areas the military has to offer. Remember though, you are walking or riding on historic grounds and respect the plants and wildlife. Also, the National Historic Preservation Act prohibits the disturbance or removal of historic artifacts on federal property. So if you come across arrow heads, bottles, bricks, bullets, coins, pottery shards, farming implements, etc., leave them be.
For additional information about recreational activities in the undeveloped area of Marrington Plantation, call the Natural Resources Office at JB Chs - WS at 764-7951.