Black Mingo Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black Mingo Creek |
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 Location of the mouth of Black Mingo Creek in South Carolina
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| Country | United States |
| State | South Carolina |
| Counties | Williamsburg, Georgetown |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Georgetown County 33°43′01″N 79°36′54″W / 33.71694°N 79.61500°W |
| River mouth | Black River Williamsburg County 33°33′12″N 79°23′29″W / 33.55333°N 79.39139°W |
Black Mingo Creek is a cool waterway in coastal South Carolina. It flows into the Black River. The creek got its name from the Chickasaw word mingo or minko, which means chief. This area was once a special hunting ground for the Chickasaw people.
This creek is a blackwater river. This means its water looks like tea. This color comes from natural plant materials called tannin. The creek is mostly untouched by modern buildings. It is surrounded by wetlands with cypress and tupelo trees. Nearby higher lands are used for farming or growing trees.
Black Mingo Creek is a great spot for fishing. You can catch largemouth bass and panfish here. Many animals live around the creek. You might see beavers, great blue herons, songbirds, and crows. Sometimes, a bald eagle flies overhead. Alligators also make their home in these waters.
The creek flows through areas like Indiantown and Nesmith. Indiantown was named because it was once a main area for the Chickasaw tribe.
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History of Black Mingo Creek
The lower part of Black Mingo Creek is a deep tidal river. In the past, ships could sail up to a village called Willtown. This village was near Rhems. It was about halfway up the creek.
Willtown's Trade and Decline
Willtown was a busy place long ago. People there exported farm products. One important crop was the indigo plant. This plant was grown in the area. It was sent to Britain to make blue dye.
After the American Revolution, Britain stopped buying goods from America. This made trade slow down in Willtown. The village started to shrink. In 1804, the area was divided into two counties. Willtown became isolated on the edge of both.
In 1811, the state built a new bridge over the creek. This bridge was for the main north-south road. It was built about a mile downstream from Willtown. This made the village decline even faster. Today, there is very little left to show that a village was ever there.
Revolutionary War Battle Site
The Black Mingo Creek area is part of a planned Francis Marion Trail. This is because a famous battle happened here. It was called the Battle of Black Mingo. This battle was part of the American Revolutionary War. The American forces stopped the British from taking control of the area.
Famous People from Black Mingo Creek
This area has been home to some interesting people.
Charles Flint Rhem: Baseball Pitcher
Charles Flint Rhem was born near Black Mingo Creek. He was born in Rhems, South Carolina on January 24, 1901. Charles became a professional baseball player. He was a pitcher.
He played for several teams. These included the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Braves. Charles helped the Cardinals win the World Series in 1926, 1931, and 1934. He also helped them win the National League Pennants in 1928 and 1930.
In 1926, Charles had a great season. He won 20 games and lost 7. He pitched in 34 games that year. He completed 20 games by himself. Charles Flint Rhem played for 12 seasons. He won 105 games and lost 97. He died in Columbia, South Carolina, when he was 68 years old.
