Healing Springs: A South Carolina Gem

Just 56 miles south of Columbia, South Carolina, lies a small community with a popular Artesian well. It’s called Healing Springs and is found a few miles north of Blackville, South Carolina, off SC Highway 3. The cool water flows freely from spigots located behind the church. Ample parking next to the well allows easy portage of the water jugs back to your vehicle.

Healing Springs in Blackville, South Carolina.Photo byBob Robinson

Thousands of years ago, with the help of glacial activity in the area, this well and others were formed along the Edisto River. Native Americans used the water as a healing agent. At the same time, during the Revolutionary War, a story is told of several of King George’s finest, left for dead after a skirmish, were healed by the water. When they rejoined their unit in Charleston, their comrades in arms were astounded that they had survived. The Healing Springs Baptist Church, originally named the Edisto Baptist Church, was founded by Anglican Nathaniel Walker in 1772. He served as the church’s pastor for twenty years. There are only two grave sites at the church, a mother and her daughter, both dying in 1882. On-site burials were soon disallowed as it was later determined the practice of interment could damage the wells.

According to Robert Yoder, former owner of the Healing Springs Country Store, he has met folks from as far away as Nigeria, Alaska, and Canada, stopping by the springs for their health benefits. Originally from Ohio, he and his wife ran the store for nine years before selling it to current proprietor Sophon Tauch. Store hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day; closed on Sundays. Famous for their hotdogs, they also serve deli sandwiches and soups.

Healing Springs Country StorePhoto byBob RobinsonAddress: Springs Court, Blackville, SC 29817.

Disclaimer: The Lantern does not profit from tourism from Healing Springs or any businesses mentioned in the article. All information mentioned is meant as informative to the reader.

Information in the article is the sole written work and research of Lantern Staff Writer Bob Robinson with one quote cited from Healing Springs: A History Of The Springs And The Surrounding Area by Raymond P. Boylston. The Lantern does not profit from any books sold by the author.