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1918 Map of Cottageville

Name: 1918 Topographic Map of Cottageville
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1918
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1918

About this map

The Edisto River snakes through a landscape of expansive wetlands and historic river crossings just after the First World War. This territory, spanning the borders of Colleton, Dorchester, and Charleston counties, is defined by its reliance on water-based transport and rail. The southern edge is anchored by the Atlantic Coast Line railroad, serving settlements like Jacksonboro and Osborn. Further north, the reliance on the river is evident in the numerous landings such as Martin Landing, Padget Landing, and Beck Landing.

Genealogical researchers will find a dense network of early community institutions, from the Burnt Church in the southwest to the Shepherd Grove School and Stono Church in the east. Small commercial and transit hubs like Metz Store and Coachmans Corners dot the crossroads, while the Charleston and Willtown Road provides a primary overland artery. The map also records the low-lying savannas and swamps, including Big Swamp and Caw Caw Swamp, which have long shaped the region's agricultural and settlement patterns.