S.C. Code Ann. § 25-1-1870

The Governor of the State when, in his judgment, the public safety may require it, may take possession of any or all utilities in the State, including communications and transportation facilities, their offices and appurtenances, their rolling stock, shops, buildings and all their appendages and appurtenances, may prescribe rules and regulations for the holding, using and maintaining of the aforesaid utilities in the manner most conducive to the interest and safety of the government and may place under military control all the officers, agents and employees of such utility or communication facility so that they shall be considered a part of the military establishment of the State, subject to all the restrictions imposed by the rules and articles of war.