The Books and papers of Council kept since their original organization were consumed in the office of the Intendant by the disastrous fire with which the village of Anderson was visited this day. In pursuance of the directions of Council the minutes of proceedings kept since the fire are transcribed in this volume: April 9, 1845

From 1845 to 1866 the Town Council of Anderson kept their detailed minutes in this book. The Council, made up of the Mayor and five wardens, met monthly to discuss, debate, and vote on items related to the growing town. This book details the births of the Police and Fire Departments, the establishment of schools, cemeteries, railroads, and the minutia of taxation, crime and punishment.

We have chosen several passages on various topics to give insight into those early days of Anderson all the way through the beginnings of Reconstruction. Efforts are being made to photograph and transcribe this important piece of Anderson County history.

 Here are a few excerpts:

June 4th 1856

Information having been made to Council that two transient persons, strangers, whose names are unknown but who, it is said, answer to the names of Hutchins and Liesenber, have been guilty of unlawful gaming in the town and assume to be professional gamblers. It was unanimously resolved that warrant do forthwith issue for said persons to cause their arrest.

May 12th 1866

Hugh L. McKinney appeared before the Council and made oaths that he is informed and believes that Willis Wilkinson has been engaged in retailing Spirituous Liquors without a license in the Town of Anderson

Come to the museum to see this artifact and learn more about Anderson’s History.