The Due West Railway Depot, located in Due West, South Carolina, is a historic landmark that played a pivotal role in the town’s development during the early 20th century. Serving as the terminus of the Due West Railway, a short-line railroad established in 1907, the depot facilitated transportation and communication between Due West and Donalds, South Carolina. The railway, often referred to as the “Dinky,” was notable for its unique operational policies, including its refusal to operate on Sundays and its prohibition of transporting alcohol.

The depot itself is characterized by its simple yet functional design, reflecting the utilitarian nature of early 20th-century rail infrastructure. Constructed with locally sourced materials, the building features a gable roof, wooden siding, and a platform that extended along the tracks to accommodate passengers and freight. The depot’s location was strategically chosen to serve the needs of Erskine College, providing a direct link for students and faculty traveling to and from the institution.

Despite its modest size, the Due West Railway Depot was a hub of activity in its time, facilitating the movement of goods and people in a region that was otherwise underserved by major rail lines. The depot’s operation was integral to the local economy, supporting industries such as agriculture and education. However, with the decline of rail transportation and the cessation of the Due West Railway’s operations in 1940, the depot fell into disuse.

Today, the Due West Railway Depot stands as a testament to the town’s rich history and the role of railroads in shaping its development. While the building is no longer in active use, it remains a symbol of the community’s past and a point of interest for those exploring the heritage of Due West and the broader Abbeville County area.