My understanding is that, until circa 1830s-50s, the South Carolina Railroad ran from Charleston to Hopkins Turn Out ("T.O.")South Carolina, where it ended and passengers "turned-out" (detrained) and the train turned around and went back to Charleston. My questions are: When was the track first completed to Hopkins, S.C.? and (2) When was the track completed from Hopkins, T.O. to Columbia; and when was the track completed from Columbia, S.C. to Asheville, N.C.via Saluda, N.C.?
My family - the Hopkins Family - settled in Richland District in 1764 and owned much of the property east of Hopkins, T.O. My understand is that my great-grandfather (or uncle) gave South Carolina Railroad some of the property between Hopkins T.O. and Columbia, in order to complete the line to Columbia. Is there a way to verify that? Can the railroad confirm that?
Thank you very much.