The following is a contribution to the History of the Charleston & Western Carolina on the Internet.

A 1904 Rand McNally map is attached and there is a NEW UNKNOWN Railroad shown for folks to investigate.

On the Southern between Branchville and Orangeburg there are two communities:  Sixty Six and Rowesville.

The Branchville & Bowman leaves Branchville and runs northeast to Bowman..

The B. L. Co. leaves Rowesville and runs northeast to Bethel Church area which is north of Bowman and north of Dibble and close to Four Hole Swamp.

Rowesville is the Town of Rowesville and about 65% Black.  There was once a large plantation house at or near Rowesville.

The 1920 Topo maps at USC  show nothing of this railroad.

The name suggests “Lumber”  and “Company”  but I have nothing else to help.

A 1904 Southern timetable MAY show a rail connection at Rowesville.

Who can solve this mystery??

Good luck.

Tom

December 2014