Lancaster and Chester Railroad Archives

The Rock Hill Herald on Nov. 30, 1882 reported – “The bridge of the Cheraw and Chester Railroad over the Catawba River, four miles from Lancaster is expected to be built in six months time. On Dec. 7 Capt. Dwight, a civil engineer of the railroad was engaged last week in surveying the Catawba River and sounding the depths where the railroad is to cross.”

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City Directories and History: Steel railroad bridge across the Catawba River built circa 1916. The present bridge was purchased by Leroy Springs in 1916 to replace an earlier bridge across the Catawba that was washed away in a flood. The bridge was move and re-assembled in 1916.

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Rare view of the old Lancaster Depot at the South end of Main Street. Courtesy of the AFLLC Collection – 2017

An early 20th century postcard showing a prospering Town of Lancaster, S.C. Courtesy of the ACLLC Collection – 2017

The Yorkville Enquirer reported on July 17, 1873 – “The surveyors of the Cheraw and Chester RR reached Lancaster last week. The depot will be located near the old muster field.”

The Yorkville Enquirer reported on July 13, 1887 – “Col. Johnson has paid Mr. W.H. Burns $1,500. for his house and lot. It is thought by many that the depot will be placed on this lot.”

City Directories and History: This building replaced an earlier one which dated to the early 20th century. The current station was constructed in 1951.

The Herald reported on Oct. 20, 1887 – “A major fire in Lancaster engulfed the depot of C and CNG RR, three large warehouses, the cotton platform, and a two room dwelling of one of the railroad employees. The depot was a large wooden building and burned quickly. The warehouse of Heath, Springs and Co., was nearly consumed. T. M. Fitzpatrick and Brother lost at least 100 bales of cotton.”

The Rock Hill Herald reported on July 19, 1899 – “The work on the piers for the new bridge of the Lancaster and Chester Railroad to be erected over the Catawba River has been completed and the iron structure is now being put in place.”

The RH Herald reported on Jan. 30, 1901 – “The L and C Railroad is gradually making the change from a narrow gauge to standard gauge. The new Catawba River bridge was built last year. Almost $4,000. is being spent on new rail ties along the line.”

The Rock Hill Record reported on Dec. 7, 1908 – “A fire in Lancaster on Saturday morning began in the warehouse of Lancaster Mercantile Co., near the cotton platform. One side of the warehouse was destroyed and eighty bales of cotton burned. The cotton seed house and warehouse belonging to Bennett Grocery Co., also burned.” (The exact location of this facility is unknown.)

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Courtesy of the Davie Beard Postcard Collection – 2017

Please enjoy this structure and all those listed in Roots and Recall. But remember each is private property. So view them from a distance or from a public area such as the sidewalk or public road.

L&C RR image courtesy of photographer Ann L. Helms – 2018

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Lancaster and Chester Railroad Bridge – Catawba River

602 South Main Street – L & C Depot

From the Porch

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