Burton's Ferry

Burton’s Ferry, located on the Savannah River, was opened in 1765 by Robert Dunn as a gateway to Georgia for settlers from the Carolinas and Virginia. In 1772, Dunn sold it to Thomas Burton, who invested in boats and roads. During the Revolutionary War, Patriot supply lines were stationed on the South Carolina side of Burton’s Ferry which was also an important thoroughfare for the British from Savannah to Augusta.

In, 1781, Colonel McGirth and his Georgia Loyalists crossed the Savannah River into South Carolina. He vowed to kill everyone who had not sworn allegiance to the king. At the Brier Creek Settlement, he kept his word, murdering 17 of the inhabitants including Tarlton Brown‘s father, William Brown. Over the next 100 years, Burton’s Ferry Landing became increasingly important as a way to transport goods. In the early 1970’s, the historic Burton’s Ferry Bridge was bypassed by a fixed highway. The bridge was left abandoned and now provides a scenic view to boaters along the river.

Visit www.allendalesc250.com for more Allendale County Revolutionary War history.