Hartsville Passenger Station

Hartsville’s former passenger station, constructed 1908 by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company, stands as a visual reminder of the railroad and its role in the growth and development of the town of Hartsville. The station is a one-story structure typical of early 20th century railroad design.

The slate roof is hipped with a deep overhang which is supported by large wooden brackets. There are three dormers with semicircular louvers on both the front and rear of the structure. There are also three interior chimneys of varying proportions which pierce the roof at its crest. Opening onto the exterior are six single doors and two double doors, all with rectangular transoms.

In 1940, with the decline of passenger service, Atlantic Coast Line discontinued this line to Hartsville. In 1948 the station became the office for the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company. At this time the slate roof was repaired, new gutters and downspouts were installed, and asbestos shingles were placed over the wood siding. Interior changes were also made to the western (left) section of the station to accommodate the office space. It was listed in the National Register June 29, 1976.

The station went on to house the Hartsville Museum until the museum moved into the old Hartsville Post Office building, which is itself listed on the National Registry. It later became the home of the Hartsville Genealogical Research Library before eventually being sold to a local developer in 2019 that renovated the building, utilizing the Bailey Bill to fund the effort and restoring much of it's historic character.