A part of South Carolina’s Pee Dee Region, Dillon County was created with lands taken from Marion County in 1910. For much of its history, the area remained cut off from the rest of South Carolina as a result of its swamps and rivers. However, in the 19th century an Irish Settler and Dillon County local named James W. Dillon led the push for the construction of the Wilson Short Cut Railroad through Dillon County. The construction of this railroad connected this region to the rest of the state. In thanks, the county and its county seat were both named in honor of James W. Dillon.
Historically, agriculture has had a large presence in Dillon County’s economy. However, over time, manufacturing has become the largest employer of Dillon County residents. This growth in manufacturing is likely due to the county’s proximity to ports as well as interstates, including “Insterstate 95 - the nation’s major north-south trade route”.
About Us. Accessed June 02, 2016. http://www.dilloncounty.org/
Just the Facts. Accessed June 02, 2016. http://dilloncounty.sc.gov/facts/Pages/index.aspx
Rich in History. Accessed June 02, 2016. http://dilloncounty.sc.gov/history/Pages/index.aspx
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The Conyers family of Maple Mills, in Dillon: Father A.L. Conyers in the doorway, Mrs. Conyers, Llewlyn, Bessie, Ramsey, Sammie and Andres. All of the family except Mrs. Conyers worked in the mill...
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This airplane--thought to be South Carolina's first - was purchased in 1911 for $1,000 by William Murchison of Dillon, and F.E. Rowe and C.W. Dudley of Bennettsville. It was assembled in Hamer's...
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Traveling salesmen were using automobiles to travel across South Carolina as early as 1915. This photograph of the Dillon Wholesale Grocery shows horse-drawn transportation alongside such an...
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“H” is for Highway 301. Construction of this major U.S. highway in South Carolina began in 1932, when the federal government began taking over the maintenance and construction of many state roads. The...
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The Pee Dee area was originally home to the Pee Dee Indians. Due to the abundant wildlife, this area is very popular with hunters and fishermen. The Great Pee Dee is just one of the rivers that...
