Floydale in Dillon in Dillon County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
James W. Dillon House Museum
| | Eastern SC Heritage Region | |
Photographed by Dave W, May 25, 2023
1. James W. Dillon House Museum Marker
James W. Dillon (1826-1913), for whom the town and county are named, established a modest store in Little Rock, SC in 1853. As a cotton farmer, he understood the financial needs of his fellow citizens, which led him to provide credit for start-up and operating funds for local farmers. This led to the establishment of J.W. Dillon & Sons, a private banking institution, created by Dillon after the Civil War.
As a successful businessman in 1888, Dillon donated one-half interest in 54 acres to encourage the Florence Railroad Company to build a rail line into the area. He also invested in a second store here which ultimately replaced the one in Little Rock. The Town of Dillon grew from these investments.
After a lengthy 15-year legislative process, the governor signed a bill on February 5, 1910, creating Dillon County and applauding Dillon as the "father of Dillon." J.W. Dillon & Sons donated a half square of land and $25.000 for construction of the courthouse in celebration of the county's creation.
Built in 1890 for Dillon, this Queen Anne style house was originally located on the corner of First Avenue and Washington Street. He lived in this house until his death. In 1967, the Dillon County Historical Society relocated, restored, and furnished the house to reflect life in Dillon
this page online
Erected by Eastern SC Heritage Region.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 34° 25.606′ N, 79° 22.894′ W. Marker is in Dillon, South Carolina, in Dillon County. It is in Floydale. It is on West Main Street north of James Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1108 W Main St, Dillon SC 29536, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s Pee Dee. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named James W. Dillon House Museum (a few steps from this marker); Dillon County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dillon County Supreme Sacrifice Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dillon Graded School and Dillon Public School (approx. 0.6 miles away); James W. Dillon (approx. 0.7 miles away); Dillon County / Dillon County Courthouse (approx. 0.7 miles away); Duncan McLaurin (approx. 0.8 miles away); Town of Dillon / Florence Railroad Company (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dillon.
Also see . . .
1. Eastern SC Heritage Region
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 21, 2026
2. James W. Dillon House Museum Marker
The marker has weathered slightly but remains legible.
2. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form for the House.
This form was prepared by Nancy R. Ruhf, Historic Resources Coordinator I with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, on February 4, 1971. The statement of historical significance is on page 3:
The James W. Dillon House, a significant, historical landmark in Dillon County, is representative of late Victorian architecture and the town's founding.(Submitted on May 25, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Built 1890, this house was the home of James W. Dillon, founder of the town and man for whom county was named. In 1888, Dillon acquired forty acres of land in what is now the city of Dillon. Simultaneously the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company began plans for extending its rail line from Wilson, North Carolina to the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Dillon offered the railroad company fifty per cent interest in his land if it would route the railroad company fifty per cent interest in his land if it would route the railroad through this forty-acre tract. After the contract was signed, a depot was established, and the proposed town of Dillon became a reality. In 1910 when Dillon County was formed from the upper section of Marion County, citizens of the new county voted to name it for James W. Dillon, pioneer citizen and community leader.
Architecturally, the Dillon House is a primeexample of late Victorian design. It has been beautifully restored and furnished by the Dillon County Historical Society and is presently used as a house museum and the society's headquarters.Photographed by Dave W, May 25, 20233. James W. Dillon House Museum Marker
This house is the only significant historic house in the town of Dillon.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 21, 2026
4. National Register of Historic Places plaque for the house
Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 306 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 26, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. 2. submitted on May 24, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on May 26, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. 4. submitted on May 24, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
