News Summary
Florence County officials are moving forward with plans to restore Browntown, a historic landmark from the early 1700s, purchased for $300,000. Once a museum showcasing the Brown family’s contributions, the site will be revamped for educational use while honoring its historical significance, including the role of enslaved individuals. Additional funding of $400,000 is sought for restoration to ensure accessibility, with plans to reopen to the public by the end of the year.
Florence County Leaders Set to Breathe New Life into Historic Browntown Landmark
Florence County is buzzing with excitement as local leaders gear up to restore Browntown, a historic landmark that offers a fascinating glimpse into what life was like back in the early 1700s. Nestled in southern Florence County, Browntown was once owned by the Brown family, a name that resonates throughout the area due to their historic ownership of a whopping 10,000 acres of land.
What You Can Expect at Browntown
The picturesque property boasts a collection of wooden structures surrounded by sprawling farmland, making it a sight to behold for history buffs and casual visitors alike. In its prime, Browntown operated as a museum, showcasing the pioneering achievements of the Brown family. Some of the highlights included exhibits featuring a unique cotton-gin house and a smokehouse, designed to enlighten guests about early agricultural practices and life in South Carolina.
However, the museum closed its doors in 2017 due to safety concerns and limited resources that arose following the previous owner’s passing. With Browntown underutilized, the heirs of the Brown family reached out to the county, seeking assistance in preserving this local treasure.
Plans in Motion
Florence County officials are now making strides toward purchasing the property for $300,000, with big plans to revamp Browntown for educational use. They’ll be introducing essential new structures, including bathroom facilities, to ensure the site can accommodate visitors comfortably.
One important aspect of Browntown’s history that leaders aim to acknowledge is the presence of enslaved individuals who played a significant role in the Brown family’s success. The county is committed to using Browntown as an educational resource, enabling local schools to organize field trips to this historically rich site.
Funding the Restoration
While the purchase of the property is well underway, the county anticipates that an additional $400,000 may be necessary for full restoration, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure it is accessible for all. Some funds will be drawn from the county’s general fund, while leaders aim to tap into various grants that were out of reach for the Brown family.
As the legal processes to finalize the acquisition unfold, residents can expect the transition to take about 30 to 60 days. Once squarely in the county’s hands, Browntown leaders are eager to open it for public enjoyment by the end of this year.
A Unique Preserving Effort
Browntown is particularly famous for its authentic two-story cotton gin, complete with handcrafted wooden machinery that operates similarly to the Eli Whitney cotton gin. Impressively, it is considered the only example of an Eli Whitney cotton gin still situated on its original location in the nation! Alongside the gin, visitors can look forward to exploring the Moses Brown House and other historical features such as a gristmill, lumber mill, and brick kiln. With various residential buildings and artifacts, Browntown offers a comprehensive look at how the Brown family adapted to their surroundings.
Community Support for Preserving Local Heritage
Local community leaders have made it clear how vital it is to preserve Browntown, emphasizing that it serves as a testament to Florence County’s rich history and heritage. The revitalization of Browntown promises to be a significant step forward in ensuring that past generations of the family, community, and history will never be forgotten.
So, mark your calendars, folks! Florence County is on the cusp of taking a monumental leap in historical preservation, and who knows, you may soon find yourself peeking into the past at Browntown!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florence County Revitalizes Historic Browntown
Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence County Plans for Browntown
- Post and Courier: Florence County Buying Browntown
- WMBF News: A Visit to Browntown
- Wikipedia: History of South Carolina
- Google Search: Browntown South Carolina
