Manning’s murals bring local history to life; just outside town, the Pocotaligo Nature Walk offers a touch of nature along its elevated boardwalk. Add performances at the Weldon Auditorium. These different highlights help you decide whether you’d rather explore local history, attend a cultural event or visit Pocotaligo Swamp.
Local History and Murals
Downtown Manning was designated a National Historic District in 2009. Another turning point lies further back: in 1865, much of Manning’s original town area, including the courthouse, was destroyed during the event known as “Potter’s Raid.” The two dates represent different historical layers: a designation in the downtown area and an event that affected much of the original town area. The Clarendon County Archives offers information about the history of Clarendon County and its historic sites.
Historic Swamp Fox murals in Manning depict General Francis Marion’s clashes with the British in 1780–81. The three-part mural “Pond Bluff to St. Stephens Church” is located off Brooks Street in downtown Manning next to Simpson Hardware, and depicts the Swamp Fox’s life after the war. Another scene, “Swamp Fox at Ox Swamp,” is at the Manning Fire Station on the corner of West Boyce Street and Boundary Street. A bronze statue of General Francis Marion stands in the window of the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce at 19 N. Brooks Street in Manning. The murals and statue bring these historical themes to life in different art forms.
The Swamp Fox Murals Trail follows Historic 301 through Manning, Paxville, Summerton and Turbeville. It spans several towns, giving the theme a regional context beyond Manning.
Performances and Exhibitions
The Weldon Auditorium hosts musical and theatrical performances. If a particular performance is important to your trip, check the event schedule for your travel dates. The auditorium’s loggia also houses an art gallery where local, state and regional artists and craftspeople have exhibited their work. This brings performances and exhibitions together at the same venue. The gallery adds another artistic dimension to the historic murals, while a night at the theater has a specific date.
Nature at Pocotaligo Swamp
Just outside Manning, the Pocotaligo Nature Walk features an approximately one-mile boardwalk through Pocotaligo Swamp. From the elevated boardwalk, visitors can experience the cypress canopy and the river below. The approximate length gives the walk a clear sense of scale; the cypress canopy and river below shape the view. This natural highlight is quite different from the historic subjects found in town.
When planning your trip, you can choose between local history with specific dates, a cultural evening tied to event dates and the landscape at Pocotaligo Swamp. If you’re planning to attend music or theater, check the specific performance dates; the Nature Walk offers its own highlight just outside town.
Discover more destinations: Summerton.
Go to the main travel overview: Clarendon.
