Attractions

Dillon County is home to three towns or cities within its boundaries. All three are historic, charming communities each with its own character and unique attributes but all full of residents who are proud of their heritage and committed to their family, friends, and community.

The City of Dillon

Welcome to Dillon, SC – We Love Having You Here!

The City of Dillon serves as County Seat for Dillon County and is located in the northeastern portion of South Carolina. The City is governed by a Council-Manager form of government.

The City has a current population of just over 6,300 residents. The County and City has transformed from an economy dominated by agriculture over the past 100 years to increased job and investment in manufacturing and especially distribution. The SC Ports Authority Inland Port Dillon and the County’s economic development efforts have created hundreds of new jobs for residents and positioned for more success due to Interstate 95 running through the County and the SC Ports investment. Harbor Freight Tools is the County’s largest employer with well over 1,000 employees at its largest distribution center located just off I-95 on the outskirts of the City of Dillon.

W.W. Sellers, in his “History of Marion County”, tells us that the City of Dillon owes its origin to the building of the Florence (Short Cut) Railroad. The City of Dillon, largest municipality in Dillon County, was established in 1887. At that time it had a population of but 87 persons, but with the coming of the railroad, it didn’t take long to grow. By 1897 the population was 1015, and by 1920, the population had grown to 2,205.

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Town of Lake View

Located in eastern Dillon County and nestled along the beautiful cypress swamps and marshes, the small town of Lake View is the epitome of a charming southern small town. Where everyone knows their neighbors and where football is king. No big city hustle and bustle here and that suits the residents of Lake View just fine.

Lake View was first called Ford’s Mill in 1792 after Major William Ford constructed “the lake” and grist mill on the site. The name was changed to Page’s Mill in 1870 when Joseph Nichols Page purchased the property from Dr. C.T. Ford and built a large general store to serve the community.

The town became incorporated as Page’s Mill on February 26, 1907. The town voted to change the name of the town from Page’s Mill to Lake View and on May 12, 1916,the town became incorporated as Lake View. The town has just under 900 residents and operates under a Council-Manager form of government.

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The Town of Latta

Latta, like Dillon, sprang from the coming of the railroad. The nucleus of the town was created “in 1888 when the railroad officials decided that a loading station was essential seven miles south of Dillon. Choosing a name for the new station posed a problem as there were several prominent families in the area deserving of the honor, and the railroad officials did not want to show partiality. Finally, the name of Latta was selected out of respect for Robert J. Latta, a native of York, who surveyed the right-of-way for the railroad and made plans for future expansion of the loading point.

Latta grew steadily but more slowly than Dillon. W.W. George erected the first store building in the town and later a dwelling. S.A. McMillan, J.J. Bethea, and D.M. and John L. Dew opened businesses in the town, soon followed by Robert Rose Bethea, E.H. Berry, Lonzo Smith, and others. Many of Latta’s early settlers came from the Little Rock section of Dillon County, including the Manning, Hamer, Bethea and Berry families, among others

Due to the Town’s excellent railroad facilities, Latta rapidly grew during the first decade of the 1900’s. In the original charter, the Town of Latta was laid out in a circle with a radius of one-half mile. Present day Latta has now grown to a radius of approximately one mile.

Many structures within the Town of Latta are listed on the National Historic Registry. The Town has established a Historic District which encompasses a large portion of Main Street. Additionally, Latta is the site of the last Carnegie Library.

Today Latta is a great small town to operate a business or raise a family. The local school district is among the best in South Carolina. The town has just over 1,300 residents and operates under a Council-Manager form of government.

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Along with charming small towns and cities, Dillon County is just a beautiful place to live and raise a family. Less than an hour to the Atlantic Ocean and the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand, 1.5 hours to Charlotte, and two hours to historic Charleston. Residents of Dillon County and its towns and cities have the ease and carefree life of living in a rural area but Interstate 95 which bisects the County provides citizens an opportunity to be in all of the great places in North and South Carolina in just a short drive.

The County has historic buildings, outdoor recreational opportunities via the cypress swamps, Pee Dee River, and its many tributaries. The County is an outdoor enthusiasts dream place to be. There’s also several businesses and sites that are uniquely Dillon. Here are just a few.

South of the Border

For over 70 years, billboards – hundreds of them – have lined Interstate 95 telling motorists just how far away they are from this one of a kind travel stop and piece of Americana. This travel stop has hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and just about anything and everything vacationers and travelers might need – or not need. Truly one of America’s most unique travel stops. For more information visit: www.sobpedro.com

Abingdon Manor

The only luxury accommodations in the Carolinas or Georgia close to Interstate 95, Abingdon Manor is listed by AAA as a “Classic Country Inn” and hasreceived the prestigious Four Diamond rating for twelve consecutive years.

The property, on the National Register of Historic Places, was built at the beginning of the 20th century as an opulent private home and, while now an Inn, retains the feel of a private residence. Ranked among the best Inns in the country, it is located in the heart of the historic district of the charming village of Latta, just 25 miles north of Florence, SC.

Purchased by Michael and Patty Griffey from Miami, Florida in 1995 to operate as a luxury Inn and Restaurant, thoughtful renovations, decorating and extensive landscaping have turned this magnificent building into a refined, elegant setting for discriminating travelers. To book your stay visit www.abingdonmanor.com

Other Points of Interest

The Historic Dillon County Courthouse, completed in 1911, is one of the few remaining examples of the Beaux Arts style and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The top-floor hallway is an interesting display of more than 40 pictures depicting the county’s history. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except holidays.

The Dillon County Theater is home to the MacArthur Avenue Players, the county’s little theater group. The group performs a variety of plays annually and also hosts musicals, concerts, and pageants. The present-day theater had its grand opening in January 1990. It is one of the few remaining examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the state and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Named after the blackwater Little Pee Dee River,

Little Pee Dee State Park

It is a subdued setting for those who want to enjoy the park’s natural features or fish the still waters of 54-acre Lake Norton.

Visitors can explore the park’s river swamp, examine features of the Sandhills region, and admire Carolina Bay, an example of the mysterious geological depression unique to the Atlantic Coastal Plain.

Guests also enjoy the park’s campground, nature trail, and picnic area. Fishermen appreciate Lake Norton’s ample collection of bream, bass, and catfish. The park’s easy access to Interstate 95 has long made it popular with travelers and area residents alike.