Westminster in Oconee County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Westminster Depot

Southern Railway Passenger Station

— South Carolina National Heritage Corridor —

Westminster Depot Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anna Inbody, August 20, 2010

1. Westminster Depot Marker

Inscription. The original Westminster Freight Depot was built in 1885. The railroad contributed to rapid growth and development in the Westminster area. Following incorporation and continued growth, in 1911 the passenger depot was constructed. However, as railroad passenger travel declined throughout America, Westminster's rail services were cut short. By 1970 all passenger service was discontinued.

The Depot has undergone several alterations throughout the 20th century. However, the basic integrity of the design remains. The structure features a prominent hip roof with a deep overhang, supported by large wooden brackets. There are twenty-two windows with diamond shaped panes. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 7, 1976.

The most recent renovation to the depot took place after a fire damaged a significant portion of the building in 2008. In 2009, the depot reopened as the center for the Chamber of Commerce. Today, this depot serves as one of the town's oldest buildings and a local landmark.

Erected by South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1879.

Location. 34° 39.94′ N, 83° 5.767′ W.

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Marker is in Westminster, South Carolina, in Oconee County. It is at the intersection of East Main Street and Alley Street, on the right when traveling west on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 135 E Main St, Westminster SC 29693, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s and pstate,

in the Foothills, in the Golden Corner. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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 original Cherokee Nation,

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 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Westminster World War I Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); Westminster First Baptist Church World War I Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away); Westminster Confederate Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away); Retreat Rosenwald School (approx. 2½ miles away); Colonel Benjamin Cleveland Monument (approx. 6.6 miles away); Center Methodist Church (approx. 6.9 miles away); Colonel R.T. Jaynes (approx. 7 miles away); Gen. John A. Wagener (approx. 7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Westminster.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Cross Roads Baptist Church / Cross Roads School (was approx. 3½ miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Southern Railway Passenger Station, Oconee County (129 Main St., Westminster). National Register Properties in South Carolina, South Carolina Department of Archives and History. (Submitted on September 6, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Left panel pictures image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anna Inbody, August 20, 2010

2. Left panel pictures

Top: During the early 1900's the railroad industry brought growth and prosperity to Westminster. Bottom: By the 1970's, the building no longer served as a passenger depot as train service was discontinued. During this time it was converted into a meeting space and a community health center.

Center photo image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anna Inbody, August 20, 2010

3. Center photo

James Arthur King served as Station Master at the Westminster Depot from 1920 - 1945.

Right side pictures image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anna Inbody, August 20, 2010

4. Right side pictures

Top: In 2006, after a fire nearly destroyed the building, experienced contractors along with the South Carolina Department of Archives and History played a role in restoring the depot and maintaining its National Register significance. Bottom: Westminster proudly hosts multiple festivals throughout the year. However, they are most known for the annual South Carolina Apple Festival held each fall.

Westminster Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anna Inbody, August 20, 2011

5. Westminster Depot

Photographed by Anna Inbody, August 20, 2011

6. Westminster Depot

Track side of the building.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2011, by Anna Inbody of Columbia, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,136 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 4, 2011, by Anna Inbody of Columbia, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.