Preserving Legacy: The Story of the Poston Preserve
- Eric Poston
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Nestled in the heart of Manning, South Carolina, The Poston Preserve stands as a living tribute to heritage, conservation, and family. Founded by Dr. Harold Chalmers Poston Jr., a United States Navy veteran and board-certified pathologist, the Preserve reflects a lifelong commitment to stewardship—of land, wildlife, and legacy.
A Founder’s Vision
Dr. Harold Poston Jr. earned his undergraduate degree from Clemson University and later graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina. His service as an officer and physician in the U.S. Navy instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and purpose. These values carried into his professional career and ultimately into the creation of the Poston Preserve.
Together with his wife, Maxine Moody Poston, Harold Jr. envisioned a sanctuary where nature and heritage could thrive. From the open fields to the tranquil waters of Dragonfly Pond, every acre of the Preserve tells a story of dedication and love—for family, for country, and for the land.
Honoring LTC John Fleetwood Moody
Integral to the Poston legacy is Lieutenant Colonel John Fleetwood Moody, Maxine’s father and a decorated American hero. Born in Lake City, SC, LTC Moody served in Korea and completed two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter and fixed-wing pilot. His valor earned him two Bronze Stars and 15 Air Medals.
Beyond his military service, LTC Moody was a scholar and author. A graduate of The Citadel with master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina and Francis Marion University, he penned The Black Bishop, a novel exploring race, faith, and resilience in the American South.
His legacy lives on not only through his writings and military honors but also through his descendants—Maxine, Harold Jr., and their sons Eric Chalmers Poston and Lane Strom Poston—who continue to uphold the values he embodied.
The Poston Family Legacy
The roots of the Poston family stretch back to Shropshire, England, with the immigrant John Poston arriving in Pennsylvania by 1722. From there, the family journeyed south via the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road, eventually settling in what is now Florence County, SC.
Generations of Postons have shaped the region—from Hugh Poston, a pioneer farmer, to Andrew Poston, whose efforts led to the founding of the town of Poston. Today, the Preserve is stewarded by Harold Jr. and his sons, continuing a tradition of grit, resilience, and reverence for the land.
The Poston Preserve: A Sanctuary for Nature and History
The Poston Preserve is more than a private wildlife sanctuary. It is a mosaic of old-growth hardwoods, freshwater ponds, and native habitats. Each season reveals new beauty, offering visitors a glimpse into South Carolina’s rich ecological and cultural heritage.
Preservation is at the heart of the mission. Every trail, meadow, and pond is maintained with care, ensuring that the land remains vibrant and healthy for generations to come.
Contact & Location
4257 Kenwood Rd
Manning, SC 29102
(803) 339-0599
© 2025 The Poston Preserve · Operated by the Poston Family
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