Lower Savannah River

Fish

The natural impoundments of the Savannah River provide a setting for panfish. Redbreast, bream, catfish, warmouth and yellow perch are found in abundance as well as largemouth bass, hybrid bass and crappie. Some striped bass run up the river in spring. The following areas in Allendale County have access to the Lower Savannah River: Cohen’s Bluff Landing off SC Hwy 3. Johnson’s Landing off SC Hwy 3. Little Hell Landing off US Hwy 125 on Little Hell Rd, one mile from Millett. Steel Creek Landing, Off US Hwy 125 near Martin.

History

The Savannah River has always been more than a line on a map. It has been a highway, a boundary, a source of food and drinking water, a place of work and recreation – and a witness to centuries of human history. The Topper Site, located in Allendale County along the Lower Savannah River, is where archaeologists uncovered evidence of some of the earliest known human activity in North America. Stone tools, quarry sites and artifacts were found buried deep in the sandy soils along the river terrace. These artifacts predate the Clovis culture in New Mexico, which dates to more than 13,000 years ago. Though the site is closed to the public, some of the artifacts are on display at the Topper Site Exhibit at USC Salkehatchie.

Before bridges stitched coastlines together, ferry travel was quite common. Burton’s Ferry, located along what is now US 301, was opened in 1765 as a gateway to Georgia. 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.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.