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Clarks Hill, South Carolina, located in McCormick County along the Savannah River, has a deep and varied history shaped by its natural landscape and early settlement patterns. Indigenous peoples lived along the riverbanks for centuries, taking advantage of fertile soil, abundant wildlife, and access to regional trade routes. European settlers began arriving in the 18th century, establishing farms, small homesteads, and ferry crossings that connected the region to neighboring communities. The area's early development was strongly tied to the land and river, forming a foundation for the community that would later become Clarks Hill.

During the colonial and early American periods, the region grew through agriculture, local trade, and transportation. Families established farms along the river, growing crops and raising livestock while using ferries to connect to markets on both sides of the Savannah River. Well-known early settlers established households that became important local landmarks and gathering places. By the 19th century, the area had evolved into a modest but thriving rural community rooted in farming, river access, and the steady movement of goods and people through the region.

A major turning point in the formation of Clarks Hill came with the emergence of the railroad. John Mulford Clark, a businessman who relocated to the Augusta area in the 1830s, played a key role in promoting a railroad line connecting Augusta to Greenwood. When a station was built on land he owned, it was named "Clarks Hill," marking the beginning of the community's formal identity. The railroad brought new opportunities, attracting residents, merchants, and agricultural producers who relied on rail access to ship their goods more efficiently. Over time, Clarks Hill became one of several small rail-oriented communities in what is now McCormick County.

The mid-20th century brought dramatic changes with the construction of the Clarks Hill Dam on the Savannah River. Completed in the 1950s, the dam created a vast reservoir that permanently reshaped the region. Farmland, forests, and river islands were inundated, giving rise to a new landscape defined by the expansive lake now known as Clarks Hill Lake or J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The reservoir spans tens of thousands of acres and features hundreds of miles of shoreline, transforming the community from an agricultural and rail-based settlement into a recreation-oriented destination. Boating, fishing, and outdoor tourism became central components of the area's identity, attracting visitors and new residents who valued lakefront access and scenic natural beauty.

Community heritage remains visible in local landmarks, including the historic Hopewell Rosenwald School, which served African American students during the early 20th century. Surrounding preserves and natural areas, including the nearby Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve, highlight the region's ecological significance and provide access to rare plant species, forested bluffs, and diverse wildlife habitats. These natural and cultural resources contribute to the area's sense of place and preserve the region's unique environmental and historical character.

Today, Clarks Hill is known for its quiet rural charm, lakefront living, and deep connection to nature. Its small population enjoys access to expansive outdoor recreation, while nearby towns such as McCormick and Augusta provide additional amenities, services, and employment opportunities. The community appeals to long-time residents, retirees, and lake enthusiasts alike, offering peaceful scenery, a slower pace of life, and a strong connection to the land and water. Clarks Hill blends its agricultural past, railroad heritage, and lakeside transformation into a distinctive identity that continues to define life along the Savannah River.