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2017 Map of Pond Branch

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Pond Branch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

The N Fork Edisto River carves a winding path through this corner of the South Carolina Midlands, marking a natural boundary between Lexington, Aiken, and Orangeburg counties. Near the town of Pelion, the landscape is defined by its water management and agricultural history, visible in the numerous impoundments such as Pooles Upper Millpond, Kings Pond, and Shumpert Pond. These features suggest a legacy of local milling and rural industry tied to the river's tributaries.

Local family history is deeply rooted in the landscape, anchored by numerous small burial grounds and rural congregations. The map identifies several key sites for researchers, including the Jeffcoat-Chaney Cem, Hooker Cem, and Neese Cem. Significant community hubs are noted at the Salem Baptist Church Cem and Chapel Hill Baptist Church Cem. Infrastructure like the Jeffcoat Bridge facilitates travel across the wetlands and bottomlands, connecting the dispersed farmsteads and rural routes that crisscross the region.