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The
History of Ridgeway (the condensed yet interesting version)
Originally known as New
Town, Ridgeway obtained its present name when the owners of the
Charlotte and South Carolina Railway, of which Edward Palmer was the
first president, decided not to build the railroad on the Camden route,
but rather to use the “ridge way.” The railroad was completed in 1850.
This railroad followed the ridge north of Columbia toward Winnsboro and
spurred the growth of the town. The first telegraph line was completed
in the Ridgeway area in 1855 with wires being stretched from tree to
tree. The telegraph played an important role in The War Between the
States, as did the town itself.
Our restaurant is
located in the original Town Hall that was built in 1904. The courtroom
was located upstairs and jail cells remain in the back part of this
restaurant today. Dances and all types of social functions were held in
this building in the early to mid 1900’s. The Town Hall has served as
many different businesses over the years.
The original Ridgeway
Police Station, located next to our building, is on record as being the
world’s smallest police station. It was originally a watering station
for horses.
The Century House,
located behind us and across Route 34, is another well-known landmark in
Ridgeway. James Coleman built this home in 1853 with bricks made in a
kiln behind the house. This home was a center for many social activities
in the community. At one time it was an Inn that entertained many
well-known historical figures during their travels. One very famous
guest was General P.G.T. Beauregard who made the Coleman home his
Confederate headquarters while trying to escape the advance of Sherman’s
troops in February, 1865. Today the Century house occupies our local
library and is used for many other functions.
Ruff and Company,
across the street, was originally built in 1840. The hardware store
moved to its current location in 1901 and continues to be owned and
operated by Dan Ruff. If you take some time to visit this unique store
you will feel as though you are stepping back in time. It is still a
favorite gathering spot in Ridgeway to sit and catch up on the news in
the area. Next door to the Olde Towne Hall is Ruff Furniture that is
owned and operated by John Ruff. The store is packed from wall to wall
with beautiful furniture and prints for any room in your house or
office.
Ridgeway has many
lovely homes and more history than we can write in this limited space.
Please take time to visit Mr. Thomas at the bookstore down the street,
and Cogan’s antiques down the street from us, which has gorgeous stained
glass windows among many other items of interest. Also, for the antique
lovers, there is a wonderful auction house located on the street behind
us run by Nancy and Rodney Lee. Many treasures can be found in each of
these businesses, but talking to Ridgeway residents and business owners
is always interesting and fun. We hope you
enjoy the hospitality of our laid back little town where the businesses
still close on Wednesday afternoon and the neighbors and town folk look
out for one another.
The Town of Ridgeway
also hosts the “Pig on the Ridge” festival, which is usually held the
first weekend in November. The food and entertainment is always great.
The fun begins on Friday evening, when people from all around begin
barbecuing their hogs for the contest the next day. Each participant
“cooks up” his or her favorite recipe (anything but pork) and sells
samples for $1.00 each. The next morning the barbecue is judged and the
plates are sold. Be sure to come early so that you don’t miss out. It is
great fun for the old and young alike. Please come and enjoy! |
