Great Falls Depot
National Register Listing
Street Address:
Republic St., Great Falls, SC (Chester County)
Alternate Name:
Seaboard Air Line Railway Depot
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817712011
Description and Narrative:
(Seaboard Air Line Railway Depot) The Great Falls Depot, constructed in 1911-1912, was designed in 1911 by A.H. Williamson with the Office of Chief Engineer, Seaboard Air Line Railway. Located on the banks of Great Falls Pond, the building is an example of the prevailing turn-of-the-century genre for depot design. Rectangular in plan, the one-story building features a prominent, asphalt shingled hip roof which covers the original metal shingled roof. The eaves extend six feet beyond the building and are supported by thirty-six massive, decorative wooden brackets. Wall material consists of oriental red brick laid in stretcher bond. The railroad played a principle role in the development of the town. In September 1905, the Southern Power Company built a ten-mile railroad from Fort Lawn to Great Falls in order to transport rocks to construct a dam on the Great Falls Pond, which would provide hydroelectric power to the surrounding community. The line came under the ownership of Seaboard Air Line Railway in 1909. Because the town was growing and the cotton mill required more transportation of goods, plans for a new depot were made, which would replace the old depot—an old freight car on wooden blocks. The design of the waiting room area exemplifies the prevailing early twentieth century practice of separate accommodations for blacks and whites. Listed in the National Register November 25, 1980.
Period of Significance:
1911 – 1912;1912;20th century
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Transportation;Industry
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
November 25 1980
