James W. Dillon House Museum

James W. Dillon House Museum. . , 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 and 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 and 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 in the early 1900s. The house features many items belonging to the Dillon family.