History Question

What was the first name of Chadbourn?

History Question Answer

The largest saw mill and logging operation in Columbus County was established in the late 1870s at a location between the turpentine distilleries and small depots at Peacock and Grist along the Wilmington, Columbia and Augusta (formerly Wilmington & Manchester) Railroad.

The Chadbourne family of Wilmington purchased 10,000 acres of prime pine timberland and set up their mill. The village was called Timberville, but this was changed in 1883 to Chadbourn (without the “e”).

James H., W. H. and George Chadbourne were in charge of the lumber mill, and the post office. James H. Chadbourne was the first postmaster, according to information from The Morning Star of Wilmington.

The logging industry in Chadbourn changed by the early 1890s, and by 1900 a small red fruit was to forever make its mark in the town.