Founded in 1732, Camden is our state’s oldest inland town. Established by a decree from King George II, Camden started as a small backcountry settlement along the banks of the Wateree River – which at the time was about as far west as most Europeans would venture. Arriving in 1758, Joseph Kershaw, the county’s namesake, gave the area a boost when he opened a mercantile in what he called “Pine Tree Hill.” This fostered trade and lured others to settle in what is now known as the “Olde English District.” Camden’s advantageous position as a crossroad and trading post afforded it an important role in South Carolina’s early history.

	CAMDEN CLOCK TOWER		KERSHAW - CORNWALLIS HOUSE		SPRINGDALE RACE COURSE

The same qualities that made Camden ideal for commerce also attracted the English to use it as a strategic outpost during the Revolutionary War. Occupying the town for almost a year, the Redcoats built fortifications around Camden, some of which have been recreated at Historic Camden. The Kershaw-Cornwallis House served as headquarters for General Cornwallis and dominates the area with its stately architecture. Following heavy losses in the Battle of Hobkirk Hill (April 25th, 1781), the English finally surrendered their hold on Camden, burning most of the town in their wake.

After the turmoil of Independence, Camden quickly became one of our state’s most prosperous towns. The milling and trading of wheat, and later cotton, provided the area with wealth and resources. In 1802, Camden had twice as many homes as Columbia – the state capital. By the 1820s, new locks and canals built along the Wateree River further eased trade with Charleston. Washington Monument architect Robert Mills designed two buildings in town: The Mills Courthouse (1826) and Bethesda Presbyterian Church(1822).

	ROBERT MILLS COURTHOUSE		BOYKIN COMMUNITY		GOODALE STATE PARK

During the Civil War, Camden once again played a valuable role, this time as a supply point and hospital center. Abe Lincoln’s brother-in-law, Dr. G.R.C. Todd, worked here as a surgeon. Ultimately, like so many other towns in South Carolina, Camden did not escape the wrath of Sherman’s men. In February 1865, many of its buildings were once again burned. But as before, the town persevered.

By the end of the 19th century, Camden had been discovered as an attractive place to winter by wealthy northerners. Many elegant homes date from this period, and a passion in equine sports continues to
this day. Springdale Race Course hosts the Carolina and Colonial Cups every year, furthering Camden’s legacy of horse racing. While they are still not
allowed on the sidewalks, it’s clear that, like Aiken, this town loves its horses.

Today, Camden continues to prosper. Tourism, industry, a welcoming lifestyle, and proximity to Columbia all make the town an inviting place to live. Recreational opportunities abound in nearby Lake Wateree and Goodale State Park. Downtown retains much of its historic charm, with over 60 buildings listed in its National Historic District. Not too large, or too small, Camden is a joy to visit. In addition, the surrounding countryside is home to unique communities like Boykin and Elgin.

Following a bombardment of campy billboards, a giant sombrero looms above the horizon. No, it’s not heatwaves coming off the asphalt of I-95, it’s South of the Border. If the advertisements haven’t already worked their way into your subconscious, then veer off the interstate and prepare to be amazed … or disappointed. The theme park, started as a modest beer stand in 1949, is one of the more recognizable landmarks on the interminable monotony that is I-95.

Today, South of the Border seems a little past its prime, which may add to its quirky draw. The gift shops are still there, replete with a bevy of unique junk, and the amusement rides are working – when they’re open. A ride up the 200-foot sombrero tower costs only a dollar and provides a unique panorama of SC’s favorite tourist trap.

Thankfully, just a a few miles further off the highway, you’ll find yourself exploring Dillon County. But just in case all of this seems a little too bland, you can always pick up a six-pack of Blenheim’s spicy ginger ale – brewed locally.

Apart from the neon signs of Pedroland, the rest of Dillon County spreads out in this far northeastern part of our state, abutted to North Carolina. Long a relatively isolated region, the area got a boost when railroads spurred development in the late 1800s. Towns like Dillon and Latta sprang up around a new rail line out of Florence in 1888. In its heyday, the region grew cotton and tobacco, accumulating enough wealth to build opulent structures like the Dillon County Courthouse.

Apparent throughout our trip was the county’s rich historical heritage. The many classic homes and restored buildings speak of a population respectful of its roots. As the focal point of the town, Dillon’s Main Street has many reminders of times past. For one, the railroad still dominates the streetscape, as Dillon boasts one of a handful of Amtrak stations in our state.

	SOUTH OF THE BORDER		DILLON		LATTA

If you continue south for several miles on US 301, you’ll pass by the lovely town of Latta. With nearly 1,500 residents, Latta exudes charm, both through the welcoming demeanor of its townsfolk and its many historic buildings. For a glimpse into the early 20th century, we visited the Dillon County Museum. Once a local dentist’s office, the small museum now displays artifacts from the region’s agricultural legacy. Right across the street is the old post office and one-room school, as well as the Latta library, built in 1915 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie.

While the charm of Dillon County is clear at every turn, it’s obvious that this area is faced with economic challenges. Having relied for many years on cotton and tobacco production, this is a place, like so many rural counties in our state, that is struggling with unemployment.
Few industries call Dillon County home, but not for lacks of assets. From its unspoiled nature to its historical places, the county provides yet-untapped opportunities for growth.

Learn More about Dillon County

• Dillon County - SCIway overview guide
  – South of the Border Photos | Dillon Photos | Latta Photos

• Dillon County History & Genealogy
  – South Carolina’s first airplane?

• Dillon County Historical Society

Check out the Fairfield County photo gallery, with pictures of our trip.

Historic Fairfield County, centrally located just northwest of Columbia, is home to several beautiful towns. If you’re looking for a perfect day-trip, Ridgeway and Winnsboro are well suited for nature, history, and architecture buffs of all ages.

The town of Ridgeway boasts a population of 328, a single stoplight, and what may just be the world’s smallest police station – it’s comparable in size to a small powder room. Erected in 1940, it remained in use for fifty years, until the police department moved into the building next door. (At just about twice the size of the original, at least one author has suggested this new building may well be the world’s second smallest police station!) The old station now serves as a tourist information “booth” where visitors can sign a guestbook and collect brochures on nearby attractions.

	CHARLES WRAY HOME		LAURA’S TEA ROOM		POLICE STATION

A walking tour of the town’s historic homes and buildings can be completed in about an hour. Beautiful Victorian-era homes line the two main streets of Palmer and Dogwood and are generally well maintained. The architectural details of homes built by families named Ruff (pronounced “roof”) and Thomas evoked a period when luxury and beauty were embodied by stunning design.

A stop at Laura’s Tea Room is a treat for everyone. The former mercantile has been transformed to accommodate a gift shop on the first floor and a beautiful tea room upstairs. The service is impeccable, and the atmosphere provides a perfect spot to enjoy a few moments’ rest before heading to your next stop.

Ten miles from Ridgeway is the lovely town of Winnsboro, a main source of our state stone, blue granite, and site of the longest running town clock in America! Winnsboro is the county seat and headquarters for the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce. In fact, their office is located inside the town clock building. This makes for a great place to begin a short tour of Congress Street, which runs through the center of town.

	OLD BRICK CHURCH		WINNSBORO TOWN CLOCK		FAIRFIELD COUNTY MUSEUM

Just up Congress, you’ll find the Fairfield County Museum. The three-story brick building in which it is housed was constructed in the early 1800s as a private home, but was later purchased for use as a girls’ school. It has since undergone numerous transformations, but it retains many of the original architectural details. Director Pelham Lyles and her small team of staff and volunteers are extremely helpful with their knowledge of the area, and they will gladly point out the most significant sites on a map. The museum itself houses numerous artifacts related to the history of the town and its surroundings, which date back to the Revolutionary War.

A stop by the Old Brick Church is the ideal way to round out your day. This simple structure was built in 1788 by the Scotch-Irish immigrants who worshipped there. It is surrounded by an ancient cemetery which is enclosed by a wall made from the same blue granite that was mined locally for decades. Fairfield County offers more than one might expect, so be sure to leave early and pack your camera for this exciting and picturesque tour of one of South Carolina’s most beautiful places!

Incidentally, South Carolina Electric and Gas proposes to build two new nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station, located in Jenkinsville. The utility company is pushing to begin work immediately, despite opposition by Fairfield County residents.

From enjoying a bowl of she-crab soup to learning to make your grandmother’s cornbread, South Carolina is undoubtedly a state where we cherish our connection to food. Many of us identify our culture with the foods we prepare, eat, and enjoy. A draw for tourists and residents alike, our culinary traditions are deeply ingrained and have helped to make South Carolina the place it is today.

You probably know by now that SCIway takes a road trip each month. What you may not have known is how important our lunch stop is to us. From small-town eateries to big-city bistros, we’ve been lucky to sample a smorgasbord of tastes throughout our state. So when John Singh, Elloree’s town administrator, emailed us and mentioned that the Elloree Heritage Museum was hosting an exhibit called Key Ingredients: America By Food, our taste buds were intrigued.

	ELLOREE SHOPS		SNIDER CABIN REPLICA		ELLOREE LOYNS PARK

Key Ingredients is a traveling exhibit sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution which highlights the connections we make through the foods of our everyday meals and celebrations. Using photographs, illustrations, and artifacts, Key Ingredients underlines the importance of food in American culture. From advances in farming to technological improvements in our kitchens, the exhibit goes beyond simply what is on our plates to explore the various regional, historical, and social factors that contribute to the diversity of our foodways.

We also had the pleasure to discover the rest of the Elloree Heritage Museum, with its complete cotton gin, life-size dioramas, and welcoming staff. It was a wonderful experience that we would recommend to anyone. Key Ingredients was appropriate for the Elloree museum, which focuses heavily on the agriculture and food of the region.

With food on our minds, we finished our tour of the museum, and walked across the street to have lunch at Amporns Thai Cuisine. Who would think a town as small as Elloree has one of the best Thai restaurants in the state? After lunch we walked around town and peeked into the many antique stores. While exploring, we happened to bump into John, the reader who suggested our trip. He shared some tidbits on happenings around Elloree and showed us the old town jail. It was a pleasure for us to meet one of our readers in person and discover yet another delightful SC town.

	HERITAGE MUSEUM COTTON GIN		ELLOREE TOWN CLOCK		OLD ELLOREE TOWN JAIL

Throughout our roadtrips in the state, we’ve always been welcomed warmly by passionate folks who are excited to share their local knowledge with us. It’s yet another reminder that across South Carolina, fascinating stories abound, waiting to be discovered if you stray from the interstate and explore.

Be sure to check out the Elloree photo gallery from our trip.

If you’re interested in seeing Key Ingredients for yourself, you can catch it at the following SC museums:

• Elloree Heritage Museum and Cultural Center - Orangeburg County - June 27-August 10, 2008
• Belton Area Museum Association - Anderson County - August 15-October 5, 2008
• South Carolina State Fair - Columbia - October 8-19, 2008
• National Bean Market Museum - Lake City, Florence County - October 24-December 21, 2008
• Edgefield County Peach Museum - Johnston - January 9-March 1, 2009
• Edisto Island Museum - Charleston County - March 6-May 9, 2009

If one of the newly coined “stay-cations” seems right up your alley this year, consider the SC Heritage Corridor’s Discovery Route. Stretching 240 miles from Charleston to Pickens, with suggested stops at state parks, county museums, and “discovery sites,” the trip is perfect for both adults and children. Diverse bits of our heritage come together across the 14-county journey, joining to tell a more seamless account of SC’s history.

The corridor is divided into four regions, making the trip more manageable. We recently followed the route through Region 3 of the Heritage Corridor. Here you can trace the path of what was once America’s longest railroad, pamper yourself in the one-time winter resort town of Aiken, and even taste water from an artesian well that was deeded to God by its last owner!

You should devote at least two days to this trip. Spend the first exploring small towns such as Blackville and Branchville, the epitome of rural SC life and perfect places for history buffs to brush up on the significance of railroads and agriculture in 19th century South Carolina. Here are some of our favorite highlights:

• For a taste of the aforementioned water, visit God’s Acre Healing Springs in Blackville. You know it’s good when locals can be seen filling up their water jugs too.
• The railroad played a fundamental role in the development of the area. Towns sprang up every few miles, including that of Branchville, the site of the world’s first railroad junction. You can now visit the Branchville Railroad Museum at the site of the old depot.
• Notice the many hyphenated schools in the area; they exist around the state but seem especially prevalent here as small towns combine resources. Look for Blackville-Hilda, Bamberg-Ehrhardt, Williston-Elko, and Denmark-Olar high schools.
• You’ll pass right through Williston – once known as the Asparagus Capital of the World. The town was also heavily invested in the cotton industry. Keep your eye out for the Williston Gin, which was in operation for over a century.
• If you have children with you, they’ll definitely enjoy the Region Three Discovery Center which features hands-on interpretive activities.
• Our Town Clock Photo Gallery gained several new additions on this trip. Town clocks for Aiken, Blackville, and Williston are now in our gallery! Remember to send in your photos!

	BLACKVILLE TOWN CLOCK		AIKEN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM		DOWNTOWN AIKEN HORSE STATUE

On the second day, change gears and head to the City of Aiken, a popular winter colony in the late 1800’s which has retained its upscale feel. It too was influenced by the railroad; in fact, the town is named after William Aiken, Sr., first president of the South Carolina Railroad.

• Take a tour through the Aiken County Historical Museum. It occupies a 32-room house, part of which dates back to 1840. The rooms are filled with memorabilia relating to everything from the Savannah River Site to the Civil War and includes replicas of an old Aiken pharmacy, a long-time mayor’s office, and a post office from Aiken’s past. Be warned – the museum practically doubles as a maze!
• Hitchcock Woods is America’s largest urban forest at 2,100 acres. Bicycles are not allowed, but in keeping with Aiken tradition, horses are welcome!
• Equestrians may also enjoy a visit to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. The museum is tucked away inside Hopelands Gardens, which hosts evening concerts in the summer.
• Downtown Aiken is full of unique shops and restaurants and is fun to explore. After a long day of taking in the sights, we felt we deserved a cool treat at Sweet Cow Creamery.

Perhaps you agree that one of the great things about South Carolina is our geographical and cultural diversity – “From the Mountains to the Sea” only begins to tell the tale. If so, we think you’ll enjoy exploring South Carolina’s Heritage Corridor, which celebrates the variety our state has to offer while showcasing our shared history. If you go, be sure to send us your recommendations & photos – after all, we have three more regions to explore!