The original intent of the Blackville, Alston and Newberry was for development of kaolin clay mines in Aiken County.
With the Blackville, Alston and Newberry, the white clay, used in the production of porcelain and papermaking, could be transferred at Blackville to the South Carolina and Georgia Railroad, and onto outside markets.
[2] While the kaolin mining venture did not pan out immediately, the new railroad lifted the area's turpentine and pine lumber industries.
Cotton, asparagus and watermelon growers also did extremely well, with the Blackville, Alston and Newberry helping the region enjoy economic prosperity.
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