Lone Star, South Carolina, is a small town with a big history. Originally founded in the 1890s along the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, it was once a thriving hub for farmers and travelers. Back then, it had a freight depot, general stores, and gas stations, making it an essential stop in the area.
But as highways took over and rail travel declined in the 20th century, Lone Star slowly faded. By the end of World War II, most of the town was abandoned, leaving only a few businesses like Zeagler’s General Store and the post office, which held on until the late 1990s.
To keep its memory alive, some of Lone Star’s historic buildings were moved to Santee, where they now serve as the Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile—giving visitors a taste of both history and classic Southern cooking. Today, Lone Star is a reminder of how small railroad towns once thrived but eventually disappeared as times changed.
Courtney Autumn
Echoes of Elsewhere | an urban exploration podcast
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