The Indian Head, a series of springs at the head of Goodland Swamp, long served as a landmark and watering place for travelers along the Middle Road and appeared on colonial plats. In 1781 Loyalists under the command of Lt. Col. John H. Cruger passed near here after their withdrawal from Ninety Six, pursued by Whigs including militia commanded by Col. Andrew Pickens. The Middle Road began as a Native American trading path running from the fall line of the Savannah River to Charleston, and by the colonial era it was known as the Middle Road, Ninety Six Road, and the Road from Long Canes to Charleston. A statute of 1770 established it as a public road, running between the forks of the Edisto from Orangeburgh Bridge to Indian Head before continuing to the Ridge.