Congaree Action Now

Front: On Sept. 20, 1975, more than 700 people gathered here for Congaree Action Now, a major turning point in the campaign to conserve the Congaree River Swamp southeast of Columbia. Described as the “Redwoods of the East,” the swamp contained the largest intact old-growth bottomland forest in the U.S. Work towards its protection began in the 1950s. In 1963, the National Park Service recommended it be made a national monument. Reverse: The conference held here at the later-removed Carolina Inn culminated efforts by the Congaree Swamp National Preserve Association to galvanize public support for the forest, then being logged. Speakers included prominent conservationists, scientists, and activists. The rally helped spur action by lawmakers, and President Gerald Ford approved creation of the 15,000-acre Congaree Swamp National Monument on Oct. 18, 1976.