Best known for the monument of a sundial, Barnwell is a humble, charming city in Barnwell County, South Carolina. Do not let this county seat's humility fool you, though, because this small town is rich in history and, for anglers, fishing spots that will surely give you a great time.
What used to be known as “Red Hill” is now home to approximately 5,000 residents who pride themselves on their friendliness and a great sense of community they continue to foster. Whether you are an angler on a solo trip or visiting with family, Barnwell will give you a place you can call home.
Barnwell may have a humble background, but this small town has played a major role in building South Carolina as we know it today. It also houses multiple historical places in the United States. It is common knowledge that South Carolina has many amazing fishing destinations scattered throughout its lands, and Barnwell is no exception.
Barnwell State Park is one of Barnwell's most popular fishing spots. Its campgrounds and amenities make it a popular destination for locals, tourists, and families. Due to the three lakes on the property, guests can participate in a variety of water-related activities. For anglers, though, it is a haven filled with crappie, bream, smallmouth bass, and catfish, particularly from March through September.
Meanwhile, Lake Edgar Brown is the place for anglers who want to target largemouth bass, bluegill, carp, redbreast sunfish, and blue catfish. It spans a whopping 100 acres and houses two fishing piers and a boat ramp, making it the place for those who want to bring their boats and explore a huge area on the side. Another highly recommended spot is Craig’s Pond which is constantly stocked with pickerel, bullhead, and pumpkinseed, among other common kinds of fish.
One of the things commonly associated with Barnwell is the monument of a sundial located in front of the Barnwell County courthouse. This iconic monument is said to be the oldest device for measuring time. It has been there for over 150 years, and since its construction, it has displayed accurate time by using the sun’s angle.
This museum traces its history to the Fuller family, who originally donated the house to the county to turn it into a public library. Sixty years later, the place turned library was repurposed as a museum where bits of Barnwell’s history are displayed, including Civil War memorabilia and a collection of items about Solomon Blatt, Sr. He served in the South Carolina House of Representatives for over 50 years.