Dillon in Dillon County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Town of Dillon / Florence Railroad Company
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 26, 2009
1. Town of Dillon Face of Marker
Town of Dillon. Dillon was laid out by civil engineers of the Florence Railroad Company following a plan by John H. David, a local physician. The town was incorporated by the General Assembly on December 22, 1888, and its boundaries extended in a half-mile radius from the railroad depot. The first mayor and postmaster of the town was Duncan McLaurin. In 1893, a freight station was constructed, and in 1904, the present passenger depot was built.
Florence Railroad Company. In 1882, the Florence Railroad Company was chartered and authorized to build and operate a line east of Florence northward to the state border. Right-of-way problems here were solved when J. W. Dillon and his son Thomas offered half-interest in 63 acres if the railroad would use the land, build a depot, and lay out a town. The offer was accepted, and the railroad from Pee Dee to the state line was opened in 1888.
Erected 1980 by Dillon County Historic Preservation Commission. (Marker Number 17-12.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Political Subdivisions • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1754.
Location. 34° 25.044′ N, 79° 22.344′ W. Marker is in Dillon, South Carolina, in Dillon
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Duncan McLaurin (within shouting distance of this marker); Dillon County / Dillon County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); James W. Dillon (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dillon County Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Dillon County Supreme Sacrifice Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Main Street Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); James W. Dillon House Museum (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named James W. Dillon House Museum (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dillon.
Regarding Town of Dillon / Florence Railroad Company. The Florence Railroad Company was consolidated into the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1898. In 1967 Atlantic Coast Line merged with its long-time rival the Seaboard Air Line Railroad and today the rails that run next to this marker belong to CSX Transportation.
Today Amtrak’s Palmetto provides daily passenger service here in Dillon between New York and Savannah. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad’s Palmetto ran the same route during the first half of the 20th century. A number
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 26, 2009
2. Florence Railroad Company Face of Marker
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 26, 2009
3. Mayor's Clock, Marker and Main Street
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 26, 2009
4. 1904 Seaboard Coastline, Now Amtrak, Passenger Depot
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 26, 2009
5. Mayors of Dillon Monument
This monument lists the Mayors of Dillon as well as major contributors.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 26, 2009
6. Amtrak Train 85, The Palmetto, Arrives at Dillon
This is the northbound Palmetto from Charleston to New York traveling on the Florence Railroad Company’s right of way, now owned by CSX. It is preparing to cross Main Street, which it will block for a minute or two while boarding passengers.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,043 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 7, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
