Francis Beidler’s Long-Ago Decision Saved the Forest that Became Congaree National Park
In an action unusual for its time, timber tycoon and early conservationist Francis Beidler put his vast holdings of South Carolina forestland in timber reserve status in the early 1900s. Six decades later, Congaree Swamp National Monument, now Congaree National Park, was created from the remnants. The park celebrates its 32nd birthday today, October 18.
- By Bob Janiskee - October 18th, 2008 4:00am