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.

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!