Anvil Rock (Winnsboro, SC)

When we visited Winnsboro, SC several years ago, one of our objectives was to find Anvil Rock. We did not succeed, but it wasn't for the lack of trying. We drove up and down Highway 34 multiple times, peering into the woods, looking for the giant rock. Nothing.



So what is Anvil Rock and why were we so eager to find it? It's not the South Carolina town with the same name. It's not the large rock close to the town of Anvil Rock that was the inspiration for the town's name. The Anvil Rock we were searching for was something a little more magical.



According to local legends, the Anvil Rock outside Winnsboro can hear you. Yes, it can hear you. Not only that, if you make too much noise, the rock spins three times on its pedestal. But despite our best efforts, we couldn't see a 10-foot-tall spinning rock through the trees, so we went home dejected and forgot about Anvil Rock until an anonymous source emailed us photos of Anvil Rock taken in 2013.



According to a historical map of Fairfield County, Anvil Rock is "10 feet high, length 12 feet, and 6 feet wide with an oval shaft about 3 feet by 6 feet of medium grained light gray granite." The Historical Marker Database states the land Anvil Rock can be found on was owned by Thomas Woodward in the 1700s, and he may have named his plantation after the rock. Woodward's home was burned by General Sherman.



But does the rock actually move? According to our source, it does not. Our source has seen the rock multiple times since the 1950s, and has even touched it, but did not experience any strange vibes or feelings from it. Growing up, our source's family would picnic at Anvil Rock. Back then, the rock was in plain view in a field. Trees have since grown up around the rock, making it nearly impossible to see from the highway.



Our source does not believe Anvil Rock is a natrual occurrence, but rather hand carved by man. If so, it would have had to be carved prior to the 1700s if the historical information is correct. The photos are currently in the hands of an archaelogist who believes the rock is a natural phenomenon.



What do you think? Is Anvil Rock a natural occurrence? Does it spin? Have you visited it?

If you have any photos or experiences with Anvil Rock, please share!