Rock‘n Hole
In the early 20th century, naturalist John Muir wrote, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” And so, it goes in the Carolina Piedmont.
About midway between the Thompson Creek headwaters in Pageland SC and it’s exit into the Great Pee Dee River to the east, where Thompson Creek meanders through the floodplains, we were surprised when we came upon a section of rocks about 200 feet long and two to three feet above the creek floor running perpendicular to the flow of the water. The rocks, millions of years old, create what appear to be micro-rapids. Alone in a stretch of the creek where there were few other rock formations, and they appear to have been thrust there by a geological force.
What seems like a few rocks in an odd location confirms what Muir said years ago – several stories are hitched to these rocky phenomena.
Archeologists have told us that this site was likely used by our early pre-settler ancestors over thousands of years ago. Based on artifacts found nearby during a logging project it appears that this was an active area because of access to water, high ground that wouldn’t flood and the security that the creek provided from intruders. This rock “crossing” would have made it easier for the prehistoric people to cross, as well as provided a specific place to keep an eye on for unwanted visitors from other tribes.
In addition to the travel benefits to the local people, it was likely used as a natural fish weir. A place that channels the fish into pools and pockets for an easier catch. While the early people were known to build weirs out of wood, they would take advantage of natural rock settings such as this one in Thompson Creek.
So, what’s with the Rock ‘n Hole title? One of the most interesting things we noticed about this rock formation is that there are dozens of holes in the slate formations – that look as if they were drilled by humans with boring tools. But they aren’t. Upon closer inspection, one can look into the holes and see that there are small rocks in the holes. This indicates there were more dense rocks spun around by the water over centuries to create or “drill” these holes. The water pressure and flow created indentions. Rocks like quartz and other sediment flowing down the creek got caught in those indentions.
As water continued to flow it moved the quartz and sediment all around the indention, grinding into the slate and resulting in the holes. So, while the 1950’s radio DJ Alan Freed may have termed the phrase Rock ‘n’ Roll, he had nothing on Mother Nature. She was way ahead of creating Rock ‘n’ Holes. Who knew?
