Prior to 1887 the area now known as the WagenerCommunity was called Guntersville, and its residentswere primarily engaged in agriculture, for theirlivelihood. The coming of the railroad, "The Swamp Rabbit", in 1887 drew farmers, timberjacks, andentrepreneurs into town and connected their society toother towns along the route.
(Left text:)
The principal motivation for the railroad,the kaolin industry, opened Wagener tothe outside world. Timber could then betransported to Charleston much fasterthan former days of Edisto River rafting.Wagener took its name from the Wagenerbrothers of Charleston who weremerchants and influential developers of therailroad. Churches, schools, business establishments, and industry came toWagener providing a desirableenvironment for its citizens. As timepassed, the automobile and highway systembrought an end to the railroad, butWagener continued to grow and prosper.
(Right text)
The Wagener Museum (Picture included) endeavorsto display documents and artifacts testamentary to the life and times of those citizens whohave lived here since that Christmas Eve of 1887 when "The Swamp Rabbit" came chugginginto town.
(Center Picture)
Wagener 1887
(Upper right picture)
The Wagener Museum and Wagon House
(Lower right Picture)
Exhibits on display in the Wagener Museum
Comments 0 comments