Chapter One: The Story of the Lizard Man

The Lizard Man story is 34 years old this month. Bishopville's embrace of the legend is still in its early days. 

In this episode Post and Courier photographer Andrew Whitaker and projects reporter Thad Moore spoke with many people from the town and Lizard Man enthusiasts. 

One person they talked with, Robert Howell, grew up  in nearby Timmonsville. Howell is known for his early illustrations and Lizard Man comics in the summer on 1988. Howell tells the story of Christopher Davis, a 17-year-old who became famous after an encounter with the creature. Davis had stopped to change a tire along Browntown Road after leaving a night shift at a local fast food restaurant. Then he saw a 7-foot creature with scaly skin and glowing red eyes.

More coverage:

Return of the Lizard Man: Bishopville's journey to reclaim an SC monster

Video: South Carolina's Lizard Man story of Christopher Davis

Photos: The Lizard Man Stomp in Bishopville

This is the first episode of a four-part bonus series from Understand SC.

Understand SC is a weekly podcast from The Post and Courier that draws from the reporting resources and knowledge of our newsroom to help you better understand South Carolina. 

Are there any stories you’d like to hear on the show? Contact us at understandsc@postandcourier.com.

This episode was hosted by Andrew J. Whitaker and Thad Moore. Editing done by Andrew J. Whitaker.