The post-Revolutionary War town of Woodruff in Spartanburg County was founded by veterans of the war who relocated their families to this area from Virginia and North Carolina in 1787. Originally, the settlers formed the Church of Christ on Jamey’s Creek (now Jimmie’s Creek), which attracted members from as far as Laurens County.
Joseph Woodruff, a settler from North Carolina, was granted 200 acres of land in this area. His son, Thomas Woodruff, wanted to see the community become an official town. Though he died before its incorporation, Thomas Woodruff’s two sons fulfilled his wish, and the town received a charter in 1874.
Today Woodruff is home to the Woodruff High School Wolverines. Woodruff High School was named one of “America’s Best High Schools” in 2010 by Newsweek magazine. The town clock on Main Street adds charm to Woodruff’s downtown merchant district.
Reflections on Woodruff
Contributor Ann Helms says of Woodruff and photo below: “The old downtown of Woodruff is seen here getting ready for Christmas. Formerly a stop on the Southern Railway line, the depot is long gone but the trains still come through regularly now for Norfolk Southern. Many of the old homes here have been re-purposed for businesses or renovated by new residents.”
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