Scranton in Florence County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Schoolhouse Bar-B-Que and the BBQ Trail

— Eastern SC Heritage Region —

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 21, 2026

1. Schoolhouse Bar-B-Que and the BBQ Trail Marker

Inscription.
States take their barbeque traditions very seriously, and South Carolina is no exception. The Palmetto State is known for its three distinct regional barbeque styles. In the western part of the state, a peppery tomato or ketchup-based sauce is common. In the central part of the state, the German influence characterizes a yellow sauce made from a mixture of yellow mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar. The Eastern SC Heritage Region is known for its spicy vinegar sauce.

Serving a buffet of southern cooking in the renovated four-room schoolhouse, Schoolhouse Bar-B-Que opened its doors in 1994. The schoolhouse, from which Schoolhouse Bar-B-Que gets its name, was built in the 1930s by Works Progress Administration (WPA) Works Program as the Scranton Colored School. Its interior features vintage signs from all around the country, a wall dedicated to NASCAR memorabilia, and a collection of antique toys, farm tractors, and trucks.

Schoolhouse Bar-B-Que is one of approximately 25 stops recommended by locals on the BBQ Trail, which winds through ten counties of the Eastern SC Heritage Region. To learn more about the BBQ Trail,

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[Captions:]
The building served as a schoolhouse for thirty years.

Traditional pit-fired barbecue is illustrated in this wood engraving from a sketch by Horace Bradley, published in Harper's Weekly, July 1887.

BBQ restaurants are frequently open during the latter part of the week.

Erected by Eastern SC Heritage Region.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Anthropology & Archaeology • Education • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1887.

Location. 33° 55.419′ N, 79° 44.763′ W. Marker is in Scranton, South Carolina, in Florence County. It is on U.S. 52 north of West Dixon Street (South Carolina Road 21-319), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2252 East Highway 52, Scranton SC 29591, 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

Schoolhouse Bar-B-Que image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0)

2. Schoolhouse Bar-B-Que

in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Scranton High School World War II Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Joshua Braveboy Plantation (approx. 3.2 miles away); Lake City Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.2 miles away); Tim McElveen (approx. 3½ miles away); 128 North Acline Avenue (approx. 3½ miles away); 126 North Acline Avenue (approx. 3½ miles away); 115 West Main Street (approx. 3½ miles away); 111 West Main Street (approx. 3½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scranton.

Sign inside of the restaurant image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 21, 2026

3. Sign inside of the restaurant

For Your Information...
This schoolhouse was built in 1934 by the WPA Work Program. It served the Black Community as their school for 30 years. After that, it was bought and used by Myers Furniture Company as a warehouse

Restoration began in 1982. Schoolhouse BBQ opened on May 26, 1994. Once again these rooms are filled with laughter, talking, and even learning. Feel free to walk around and remember when...

Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 25, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.