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History of Town of Clio
Located in the eastern part of Marlboro County is the charming town of Clio.
Settled by Joe Ivey during the 19th century, it was first known as Ivey's Cross Roads. The story goes that Mr. Ivey left his home in one of the Carolinas and went west in search of better land.
When he reached the Chattahoochee River, it seemed to him that he had reached the outer limits of civilization - a beautiful stream flowing amid a wild and howling wilderness, with wild and savage Indians upon either bank.
He became disgusted and turned his horse's head toward the rising sun and returned to the spot where Clio now stands. Here he pitched his tent and purchased a home in the virgin forest, with no desire that a town should ever arise there.
Tradition has it that stores, shops, houses and dwellings began to develop nearby, creating a town, which later became Clio, named for the Muse of History.
The cross roads became the center of the little community where the militia met for drill and "muster day" became a day of trade. The first merchant to establish himself there was the father of U.S. Senator Joseph Hawley of Connecticut. For a short time, the community was named for him, Hawleysville, later becoming Clio.
Farm land around Clio is rich, grows excellent cotton, and has been so for generations, thus creating an important nucleus for that part of Marlboro County.
Many elegant homes and Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian churches soon followed the rapidly developing retail commercial development of Clio and many of these remain today.
It was said that early in the 20th century, Clio had more millionaires per capita than any town in South Carolina.
Today, Clio is home to industries such as Peoples Gin Company, Baldor, a Member of the ABB Group, and Pacific MDF Corp.
The Marlboro County School of Discovery, a magnet middle school, is located in Clio in the former Clio High School Buildings.
Clio Cotton Festival
The Clio Cotton Festival is an annual event that celebrates the important role cotton has played in the Clio Community.
All funds raised are used for special projects to benefit the citizens of the town and in the past have included tools for the town, street beautification and welcome signs, bullet-proof vests for the police department, and helmets for kids.
In addition, the event has raised funds for the stage and picnic shelter at Bennett Park and improvements to the Clio Community Center.
The festival is traditionally on the first Saturday of the month of October. The day-long event features food, crafts, and entertainment.
Atlantic Coast Line Railway Station
Calhoun Street
Town Hall of Clio
P.O. Box 487
Clio, SC 29525
586-9426 Phone
586-7743 Fax