After the recent discussion of Four Holes Swamp, I happen to come across this
information which might be of interest to someone on the list.

Four Hole Swamp has its beginnings in Calhoun Co, SC and travels 62 miles
through 4 lowcountry counties before joining the Edisto River & finally the
Atlantic Ocean. 

There are several theories about the naming of the swamp. One is that it
refers to seasonally dry passageways travelled by early pioneers. Another says
that it refers to 4 lakes once fished by Yemasee Indians. It is known that
Gen. Francis Marion, "The Swamp Fox," and Gen. Nathanel Greene used the swamp
to hide out & stage surprise attacks on the British during the Rev. War. 

In the late 1800's, Francis BEIDLER (died 1924), a lumberman and
conservationist, acquired part of Four Holes Swamp and left it undeveloped. It
was maintained by his family until purchase by the National Audubon Society &
The Nature Conservancy in the 1960's. 

The Francis BEIDLER Forest, "the world's largest virgin cypress- tupelo swamp
forest"  is maintained today by the Audobon Society. It contains approx.
11,000 acres in the heart of Four Holes Swamp. Some of the features are groves
of giant bald cypress,  300 species of wildlife, clear pools & blackwater
streams. The forest is maintained in its wild state-- no new plantings, no
fallen trees are cleared & wildlife is not fed. It is located near
Harleyville, SC, 40 miles northwest of Charleston and is accessible to the
handicapped. 

Paraphrased from literature of the National Audubon Society.

URQ

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