Savannah River Scenic Byway
McCormick, SC

Think only the West has a history of gold mines and railroads? Not if you're from McCormick. This historic town built on gold mine tunnels still maintains the flavor of the past.

Several years after South Carolina's second richest vein of gold was discovered on the site of the present town of McCormick, Cyrus H. McCormick bought the property. After discovering the mines did not bring any profit, McCormick planned a town instead. He also brought the junction of the Augusta and Knoxville Railroad with the Savannah Valley Railroad to the McCormick Depot, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Along with the historic depot, other hotels from the turn-of-the-century have been restored and preserved. They now function as an integral part of the McCormick atmosphere. The McCormick Hotel now satisfies hungry customers as a local diner, and the Keturah Hotel hosts the McCormick Arts Council, offering free monthly exhibits and a gallery shop. Strom's Drug Store on Main Street still offers fountain cokes, ice cream, and shakes for those visitors in need of refreshments.