Bamberg, South Carolina (August 2017) – On Monday, August 21, 2017, Bamberg County was in the direct path for the total solar eclipse and was one of the prime viewing locations for the total eclipse in the eastern United States. Many visitors from around South Carolina and the United States chose to view the eclipse in Bamberg County.

Over 60 people viewed the total eclipse at the Bamberg County Courthouse complex. Some visitors came from nearby Hilton Head Island and Beaufort, South Carolina, while others traveled from as far away as Gainesville, Florida and Cincinnati, Ohio. Visitors enjoyed the shade of the new gazebo, the lawn of the historic Bamberg County Courthouse and the bench under the oak tree near the Bamberg County Library as they watched this once in a lifetime event. While there were clouds in the sky, the sun remained clear for an excellent view of the total solar eclipse for all.

The August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse was visible along a roughly 100-mile wide path from Oregon to South Carolina. In Bamberg, South Carolina, the eclipse began around 2:39 p.m. and totality lasted for a little over two minutes. The last total solar eclipse to transverse the United States was in 1918, but that eclipse was not visible in the greater Columbia area of South Carolina. The next total eclipse visible in the greater Columbia, SC area will be in 2078.

“It was wonderful to share the Bamberg County Courthouse complex with both Bamberg County residents and out-of-town visitors,” stated Trent Kinard, Bamberg County Councilman who watched the eclipse with the crowd. “We had people from Texas, Washington, D.C., Alabama, Florida, Georgia and all over. It was great day in Bamberg County!”