Photos by Mark Albertin
With its prominent courthouse and beautiful downtown, Edgefield exudes small-town charm. Just ask Martha MacDonald, who lives a few blocks off the town square.
“I was telling a friend at lunch recently that I had talked to the mayor and the police chief and this person and that person. I said, ‘You’d think I’m a big celebrity or something,’” she says with a laugh. “I was walking my dog this morning. A truck stopped in front of us, and the mayor leaned out and said, ‘Hey Martha.’ Where else does that happen but in a close-knit small town?” McDonald spends her days at Carolina Moon Distillery on the town square, giving tastings and telling people about the locally distilled spirits available.
A short walk through the well-manicured town square, past the statue of famous native son Strom Thurmond (a South Carolina governor, U.S. senator and presidential candidate), Greg Allen throws up a hand and welcomes people to Edgefield. A proud resident, Allen volunteers at the Edgefield County Welcome Center.
“I couldn’t ask for a better place to live. I worked in North Augusta for many, many years and I always looked forward to my drive home,” he says. “I live just outside of town, enough to be considered in the country. When I came home from work, it was like I could hear the turkeys, the geese passing overhead, the deer snorting. This is just a great place to live and an extraordinary place to raise kids.”
Bettis Rainsford, a historian for the Edgefield County Historical Society, chimes in. “We think we have developed our town into one of the most attractive small towns in America,” he says. “We have a variety of restaurants, museums and shops that make Edgefield a pleasant experience. And it’s a great place to live and raise a family.”
The downtown square has home furnishing, clothing and antique stores for the walking tourist. August & House, a home furnishing and clothing boutique located on the square, holds pottery and floral workshops throughout the year.
Founded in 1785, Edgefield became prominent in the 19th century as a center for agriculture and was particularly known for clay deposits used in pottery and bricks. The town also has a significant Civil War history and played a large role in the political landscape of the state and nation, after all, the area has been home to 10 South Carolina governors.
With a history primed for storytelling, Edgefield also has its fair share of infamous figures and rural drama. Becky Cotton is perhaps the most popular — the notorious murderess of a scandalous tale that MacDonald loves to recount. It goes like this:
“Becky Cotton was a real person and lived here around 1780. Her daddy, James Kennedy, had a farm outside of town and was a thief. He was stealing from the neighbors. Well, the neighbors found out and went after him to kill him because that’s what they did in those days. They went to Becky’s house thinking her husband, John, would protect him, but he did not. Becky saw her dad murdered in front of her, and she was not a happy girl. So, while her husband was sleeping, Becky buried a hatchet in his head. She went to court and got off because such a beautiful woman would never do such a terrible thing. Becky married again. This fellow had a mattress nail driven through his heart. Becky goes to court and gets off again. She is married a third time. This fellow gets poisoned with belladonna and his body is dumped in Slade Lake. Becky goes to court and gets off again. This time, she marries the foreman of the jury, who was probably the dumbest man in Edgefield. One fine day, she was on the steps of the courthouse, flirting with some men. Her brother rode into town, saw what was going on, and said: ‘This has to stop!’ He leaped off his horse, grabbed a rock, struck her in the side of the head and killed her. He also got off.”
While the Antebellum soils of Edgefield produced political leaders and stories of sordid behavior, cotton production defined its early commerce history. By the 20th century the cotton production dwindled, and today, it’s peaches that have become the area staple. Carolina Moon even uses Edgefield peaches in its rye whiskey, rum and moonshine.
“Georgia is known as the Peach State,” Allen says, “but Edgefield County raises more peaches than the whole state.” Proud of his hometown, Allen is equally happy to recommend a great place to eat, though he finds it hard to narrow down a selection.
“Well, it depends on what you want,” he says with a laugh. “If you want the best burger in the country, go to Edgefield Pool Room. If you want great pizza, it’s at Mario’s. Want a great sandwich, it’s over at Park Row. For a more elegant option, check out the Old Edgefield Grille.”
Rainsford suggests residents and visitors immerse themselves in the history of Edgefield through its various house museums, including the Discovery Center, Magnolia Dale and Horn’s Creek Church. The city will also celebrate its 51st annual Christmas parade this year.
“We’ve had a rich and long history, and we’ve done a lot in the past few decades to enhance the historical tourism business,” he explains. “We invite people to come visit the town and our house museums.”
— Bettis Rainsford
Unfortunately, many people often see Edgefield as a rural town with nothing but farms and peaches. Rainsford, of course, knows there’s more to this unique community.
“Anyone who says that has never been to Edgefield,” he said. “We have a wonderful, rich history with lots to see and do today. If you come to town, you’ll see lots of fascinating places to visit. You won’t find a better town.”
Seen in the Nov/Dec 2024 issue of Augusta magazine
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