Originally known as New Town, Ridgeway was founded around 1799. The geological “ridge” provided a respite from the heat and humidity of Columbia and Charleston and became a haven to escape the southern summers. New Town became Ridgeway when the owners of the Charlotte and South Carolina Railway decided to build the railroad on the “ridge way” instead of on the Camden route. The railroad, following the ridge north from Columbia to Winnsboro, spurred the growth of the town upon its completion in 1850. The first telegraph in the area was completed about 1855 adding to Ridgeway’s importance during the War Between the States.
Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard headquartered his troops in Ridgeway to escape the advance of Sherman’s troops during the torching of Columbia in 1865. He used the house now known as the “Century House” which was originally the private home of James Coleman. The original Ruff Store is said to have played a role during the war as well. Confederate soldiers stored ammunition in the salt pork barrels kept underneath the building, well disguised from Union troops.
As Ridgeway recovered from the war, it grew into a bustling community. Downtown thrived with a cotton gin, bank, pharmacy, 3 general stores, 3 churches, and, of course, the railroad. Most of the homes and stores in town were built during the prosperity of the early 1900’s. For years, Ridgeway was the main route from Charlotte to Columbia which contributed to its economic growth. The combination of the closing of the cotton gin and the introduction of Interstate 77, built around Ridgeway, ushered in a period of decline not uncommon in small towns everywhere.
In recent years, Ridgeway has become re-energized as people have discovered what the founding families did so many years ago and many of their descendents still enjoy today. Ridgeway is special community that has retained its small-town friendliness and generosity. Newcomers are welcomed as old friends to those whose families have been here forever. Visitors notice right away the slower pace and easy hospitality that stands in contrast to most cities today.
We invite you visit our town and experience this hospitality for yourself.
