Exploring Ridgeway: A Raw Journey

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I'm visiting every town in SC - Ridgeway, South Carolina

Timothy French

Jul 20, 2024

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Travel & Events

Exploring Ridgeway's historical charm

  1. Timothy French is on a quest to visit every town center in South Carolina, and his current stop is Ridgeway, SC. He begins his exploration at an old wooden church, notable for its bell tower, although the bell is missing. The church is fenced to prevent bats from entering, adding to its rustic charm.
  2. French takes interest in a nearby graveyard, which he noticed while parking near the post office. The graves appear to date back to the 1800s, with some marked by simple stones and others by more elaborate markers. He observes a grave of a child, Lola Morrison, who lived only two years, highlighting the harsh realities of past healthcare.
  3. The graveyard reflects the passage of time, with some headstones missing or covered. French speculates about the people who once cared for these graves and how they too have passed on, leaving the graves to stand as they are today. He notes the presence of a large tree, imagining it as a gathering spot for mourners in the past.
  4. French describes the small rural town of Ridgeway, with a population of about 300 people. He imagines the community coming together for funerals, possibly seeking shade under the large tree in the graveyard. The tree, with its sprawling limbs, is depicted as an ideal spot for a child's treehouse.
  5. As he continues his walk through Ridgeway's town center, French admires the stone columns that suggest a once grand entrance, possibly with wrought iron fencing. He invites local residents to share their knowledge about the town's history, showing his interest in engaging with the community.

Charming small town with historical sites

  1. The narrator begins a virtual tour of Ridgeway, South Carolina, starting past the post office and a gas station, heading towards what appears to be the town center. The area features a shaded sidewalk and well-maintained bushes, giving a quaint and welcoming feel.
  2. The town is described as charming, with wooden houses and porches that embody Southern Living. Some houses, like one with a tin roof, appear uninhabited but have potential for renovation, adding to the town's character.
  3. The narrator notes the presence of railroad tracks, indicating a connection to other small towns nearby. This suggests a rich history of transportation and trade in the area.
  4. Ridgeway is noted for its historical significance, with a sign indicating its establishment in 1799. The town has a mix of old and new, with places like a former gas station now serving as a barbecue spot.
  5. The narrator mentions visiting several towns in South Carolina, indicating a broader project of exploring the state's small towns. Ridgeway is one of many stops on this journey.
  6. The town features a variety of attractions, including an art gallery and well-preserved old buildings, which contribute to its cultural and historical appeal.
  7. The Freeling Library and the old police station, now a welcoming center, are highlighted as key landmarks. The police station, operational from 1940 to 1990, adds historical depth to the town.
  8. Ridgeway's history is rooted in its first settlers from Virginia, North Carolina, and the South Carolina low country in the late 1700s, originally known as Newlands, reflecting its agricultural beginnings.

Ridgeway's rich history and community charm

  1. Ridgeway, South Carolina, was established in the 1800s due to the railroad built between Charlotte, North Carolina, Columbia, and Augusta, Georgia. The railroad's decision to use the Ridgeway lot instead of the Canon route facilitated its development as a significant agricultural supply center.
  2. Between 1890 and 1950, Ridgeway thrived as a prosperous agricultural hub, benefiting from its strategic location along the railroad. Later, it became a stop for travelers on US Highway 21, and eventually, Interstate 77 was constructed, which the narrator recalls from their childhood.
  3. Today, Ridgeway is a small town with about 300 residents, featuring a thriving business district and a rich historical background. The town retains its charm with old photographs and buildings, such as the original wellhouse and vintage cars, reflecting its past.
  4. Ridgeway is notable for being the hometown of Mamie 'Peanut' Johnson, one of the first female pitchers in the Negro Leagues during the 1950s. Her legacy adds to the town's historical significance.
  5. The town offers various attractions, including a hardware store, Old Town Hall Restaurant and Pub, and Grandma's Attic, which sells vintage and handcrafted goods. These establishments contribute to the town's quaint and inviting atmosphere.
  6. Ridgeway's architecture includes preserved wooden structures and buildings with historical character, such as the Palmer Street Market and Amish-crafted furniture stores. These elements highlight the town's commitment to maintaining its historical integrity.

Ridgeway's charm lies in its historic buildings

  1. Ridgeway Marketplace is a central attraction with its open flags and decorative elements, offering jewelry and other items. The marketplace is housed in a unique building with arches reminiscent of the 1960s or 1970s.
  2. There is a notable building that appears to have been a bank, complete with a drive-thru, suggesting its historical significance. It is currently vacant but holds potential for new businesses.
  3. The town features a large turret on a beautiful house, adding to the architectural interest of the area. This is complemented by the presence of antique and real estate shops near the tracks.
  4. The old Thomas Company building now hosts a cafe, providing a relaxing spot for locals and visitors. The area is decorated with plants and offers additional parking, enhancing its appeal.
  5. Ridgeway Lodge Number 30 is another historical building, surrounded by old trees and plants, contributing to the town's quaint atmosphere.
  6. The Ridgeway water tower, with an elevation of 625 feet, is a landmark in the town. Nearby, an old wooden building with a long-standing foundation adds to the historical narrative.
  7. The town's charm is further emphasized by its preservation of old wooden buildings, which are seen as integral to its character and appeal, similar to the popular town of Dillsboro.

Charming Ridgeway, SC with potential

  1. Ridgeway, South Carolina is described as a charming and unique town, characterized by its small-town appeal and community spirit. The town is preparing for the Fourth of July, with flags and decorations visible, adding to its festive atmosphere.
  2. The town features a hardware store and various shops, though some buildings appear empty, suggesting potential for new businesses or unique shops to open. This indicates opportunities for growth and development within the town.
  3. A notable aspect of Ridgeway is its picturesque setting, with beautiful houses and the sound of a rooster crowing, which adds to its quaint and rural charm.
  4. The narrator encourages engagement with the content by asking viewers to like, subscribe, and share, indicating a desire to build a community around the exploration of South Carolina towns.