National Register Listing

Darlington Downtown Historic District

Along portions of S. Main St. Pearl St., Public Sq. and Exchange St., Darlington, SC
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The town of Cheraw, located in northeastern South Carolina, was once home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the state. Many of the town's Jewish residents were merchants and peddlers who played a significant role in the economic development of the area.
South Carolina random facts
Darlington County, located in the northeastern part of South Carolina, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Pee Dee and Catawba tribes. European exploration and settlement began in the 1700s, with the establishment of trading posts and small settlements along the Great Pee Dee River.

In the late 18th century, Darlington County was officially formed in 1785, named after Darlington, a town in England, by an act of the South Carolina General Assembly. The county quickly grew in population, largely due to the agricultural potential of the area. Cotton became the primary cash crop, and plantations flourished, utilizing enslaved labor.

During the American Civil War, Darlington County played a significant role. It was the site of several battles and skirmishes as Union troops attempted to disrupt the Confederate supply lines along the railroad. Notable events include the Battle of Hartsville in 1862 and the destruction of the town of Darlington in 1865.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Darlington County experienced economic growth and modernization. The railroad expanded, connecting the county to larger cities like Charleston and Florence, and improving transportation of goods and people. Agriculture remained vital, but industries such as timber, tobacco, and textiles also thrived, drawing immigrants and creating jobs.

Today, Darlington County continues to be a diverse and vibrant community. It is known for its thriving agricultural sector, especially in the production of tobacco, soybeans, and cotton. The county also celebrates its history through various festivals and events, preserving and honoring its heritage. Darlington's rich past, combined with its present-day progress, makes it an exceptional place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Darlington County, South Carolina.

  • 1730: Land in the area now known as Darlington County was purchased from the Cheraw Indians by a group of settlers.
  • 1785: The town of Darlington was established and named after Darlington in England.
  • 1791: Darlington County was officially formed and named after the town.
  • 1800s: The county saw significant economic growth with the rise of cotton plantations and the construction of the Cheraw and Darlington Railroad.
  • 1865: Darlington County was heavily impacted by the Civil War, experiencing battles and devastation.
  • 1871: The South Carolina General Assembly established Darlington County's current boundaries.
  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county transitioned from an agricultural economy to a more diversified economy with the growth of industries like tobacco and textiles.
  • 1990: The Darlington Raceway, a famous NASCAR track, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.