If you're looking for the best small towns in South Carolina, you'll find that there are a lot to choose from. From visually stunning towns to those infused with character, there's just no shortage of places to fall in love with here in the Palmetto State. Today's feature destination certainly qualifies, and it has a particularly unique claim to fame. Here's more on the town of Branchville, South Carolina.
This little town is home to the world's oldest railroad junction.
The first settlement was in 1735 at the branch of an old Indian trail leading from Charleston. It split at an old oak tree, which is no longer there.
One branch of the trail led to the west, joining other trails at what was then called Fort Monroe, now known as North Augusta. The other veered north, following the north Edisto River toward what is now Orangeburg and continued to the town of Granby, now known as Cayce.
Traders eventually began using the trail from Charleston to "The Branch" and would work out of that point to the west and north. They brought goods to the junction until enough had accumulated to be hauled to Charleston for sale or to be shipped overseas.
As time progressed, community life developed among the settlers. The community grew over time and in 1832, the South Carolina Railroad's tracks reached Branchville.
When the railroad company extended its rails on to Hamburg, across the Savannah River from Augusta, Georgia, and to Orangeburg and Columbia, Branchville became the first railroad junction in the world.
Branchville's importance as a rail center continued to grow, and at one time there were 16 trains, passenger and freight, passing through the junction.
Today, only one passenger train passes, coming and going each day.
The town celebrates its railroad junction with a fun annual festival in September, the Raylrode Daze Festivul.
This historical photo is of the junction in 1907.
The Branchville Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The rear of the structure houses the Eatery at the Depot, which serves dinners on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Reservations are recommended but not required.
The front of the structure used to house a museum/shrine of railroad memorabilia, but it has closed.
Have you ever been to Branchville? What did you think of this unique small town in South Carolina? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you! If you need the perfect home base while you're exploring the area, be sure to check out this list of unique vacation rentals in Orange County, South Carolina.
Do you have an interesting or favorite South Carolina small-town claim to fame story that’s different from this one, perhaps from a different part of the state? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
And check out these other nine charming small towns in South Carolina that the state just wouldn't be the same without.
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