The legend of the Lizard Man took off after Christopher Davis' story was reported in the newspaper with an enticing headline: "Lizard Man lurking in Lee County Swamp."
The first newspaper story about the Lizard Man was written by Jan Easterling, a former reporter in The State newspaper's Camden bureau. Easterling was tasked with covering everything that happened in three mostly rural counties east of Columbia. That's how she came to hear talk of a Bigfoot-like creature from Lee County’s sheriff, Liston Truesdale. She wrote a short story that landed on the front page, and within days, it gained national attention.
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 second 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.