Rebirth of a Historic South Carolina Town

WILLINGTON ON THE WAY

A Town that Refused to Die

The town of Willington, S.C. once had a thriving commercial district. The town developed after the coming of the railroad in 1886, which made the shipping of cotton much more efficient than by river barge. People began to build homes closer to the railroad, creating a need for consumer goods, and wood frame stores were built.A fire in 1902 destroyed many of these stores, and the town was rebuilt. After another fire in 1912, parts of Willington were rebuilt a second time. During the period 1911 to 1919, the town’s wood structures were replaced with the handsome brick buildings that still stand today.The economic decline of Willington began in the early 20’s, beginning with the ravages of the boll weevil, and continuing with the fall in cotton prices during the Great Depression. The houses and stores gradually fell into disrepair. The railroad depot, cotton gin and two churches disappeared.In 1994 and again in1997 the town was placed on a list of “The 11 Most Endangered Historic Sites in South Carolina.” In 1997, the McCormick County Historical Commission decided that something must be done to save Willington’s main street. The Commission purchased six buildings and set about procuring funding for their restoration.  After initial funding was received, the Commission created a not-for-profit corporation, “Willington on the Way,” to manage the restoration project.  The corporation now holds the titles to seven brick buildings plus two wood frame structures.  Willington has been destroyed and reborn twice. Now the town’s third rebirth is underway.

A Place Called Willington

Willington is a rural community of 177 people in McCormick County, in South Carolina’s Piedmont.The 2000 Census said 146 of us are black, 27 are white, and 4 are Asians.But we’re a lot more than just a handful of folks in a little town in the middle of nowhere.

We’re Special...

•  We’re a very special place with our own unique history and culture.
•  We’re proud of this place.
•  We’re a special group of people doing something great.
•  We’re proud of what we’re doing together...black, white and Asian.