There is no doubt about the significance of South Carolina in present and previous military endeavors. It would difficult to grow up in the Palmetto State and be completely unaware of the many wars and battles in which South Carolinians have fought. In addition, numerous historical sites are preserved because of land battles that were fought on the very spot.
But not all places with significant military history are as well known as others.
The nearby adjacent hill overlooking Lake Keowee was used for practice bombing, too. Today, there is still a road called "Bombing Range Road" located off of Old Seneca Road.
Advertisement
This photo taken at Lake Issaqueena on January 3, 1942 shows a bomber plane flying low over the lake.
In the foreground, military personnel assigned to the bombing range look on as the plane passes en route to the target just ahead.
Advertisement
The Lake Issaqueena bombing ranges (there was a water range on the lake, and a land range on the nearby hill) were created to train aircrew in using the North American B-25 Mitchell twin-engine bomber, seen here.
From 1942 to 1945, countless 100-pound practice bombs were dropped onto the targets that were stretched across the lake. When the lake was drained for remediation in 1954, thousands of the practice bombs were recovered from the muddy bottom of the target lake.
Shown here, the M38A2 100-pound practice bomb was no small piece of metal.
At nearly 44 inches in length, its presence was foreboding for a mere dummy practice bomb. When the lake was drained in 1954, it wasn't drained entirely. As a result, only the visible practice bombs were recovered. It's entirely possible thousands more remain below the muddy surface at the bottom of Lake Issaqueena.
Want to explore the area and see the lake for yourself?
Are you surprised to hear about the (practice) bombs at that may still remain at the bottom of this South Carolina lake? Do you remember hearing stories about the WWII training at this bombing range? We’d love to hear them!
For another window into the Palmetto State during WWII, keep reading here for 19 rare photos taken in South Carolina during the war!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
