Time Travel
Our History
The South Carolina Railroad Museum, Inc. was established in 1973 by a group of dedicated railroad enthusiasts from Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina. Their mission was to preserve and interpret railroading in South Carolina for future generations.
A Landmark Donation
In October 1983, the museum received by way of donation the former Rockton and Rion Railway located in Fairfield County, South Carolina from Martin Marietta Aggregates, and about the long and difficult process of reconstructing the line. The 11.5-mile railroad, originally built to haul famous Winnsboro Blue granite, was rechristened the Rockton, Rion and Western Railroad (RR&W).
A Present-Day Treasure
The South Carolina Railroad Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests today have access to an hour-long train ride on five miles of operating track, walk-through stationary cars, a museum with historic pictures and artifacts, a gift shop plus free parking, picnic tables, and benches. The museum has wheelchair ramps, restrooms, and a train loading platform to make the facilities accessible to persons with disabilities.
Looking Ahead
Our corps of volunteers have an ever-growing list of projects. Much of our time is consumed maintaining over 6.5 miles of active track and keeping the 20+ pieces of rolling stock for our tourist trains in operating condition. Currently, our main two projects include completing the 1,600 feet of track on the Rion Causeway and retrofitting a baggage car for use as a generator car that can supply electrical power to our passenger cars.
Our Purpose
The South Carolina Railroad Museum is a volunteer-run, non-profit created for educational and scientific purposes, including:
Collecting and preserving historical data, materials, and equipment pertaining to railroads of all kinds with special emphasis on those railroads serving the State of South Carolina and the Southeastern United States.
Organizing, maintaining, and supporting an operating transportation museum.
Teaching the history of the country and the contributions that various modes of transportation have made and are making towards its development, both the members of the corporation and to the general public.
Educating the members of the corporation and the general public on the subject often, and future modes of transportation in this country, with special emphasis on railroads.
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