Dillon County

Dillon County is home to three towns or cities within its boundaries.  All three are historic, charming communities each with its own character and unique attributes but all full of residents who are proud of their heritage and committed to their family, friends, and community.

The City of Dillon
Welcome to Dillon, SC – We Love Having You Here!

The City of Dillon serves as County Seat for Dillon County and is located in the northeastern portion of South Carolina.  The City is governed by a Council-Manager form of government.

The City has a current population of just over 6,300 residents.  The County and City has transformed from an economy dominated by agriculture over the past 100 years to increased job and investment in manufacturing and especially distribution.  The SC Ports Authority Inland Port Dillon and the County’s economic development efforts have created hundreds of new jobs for residents and positioned for more success due to Interstate 95 running through the County and the SC Ports investment.  Harbor Freight Tools is the County’s largest employer with well over 1,000 employees at its largest distribution center located just off I-95 on the outskirts of the City of Dillon.

W.W. Sellers, in his “History of Marion County”, tells us that the City of Dillon owes its origin to the building of the Florence (Short Cut) Railroad. The City of Dillon, largest municipality in Dillon County, was established in 1887. At that time it had a population of but 87 persons, but with the coming of the railroad, it didn’t take long to grow. By 1897 the population was 1015, and by 1920, the population had grown to 2,205.

Additional Information

• City of Dillon Website
• US Census Bureau Quick Facts
• USA.com City of Dillon & Dillon County Facts & Livability Information
• SCiway City of Dillon Information
• Pee Dee Tourism Commission

Town of Lake View
Located in eastern Dillon County and nestled along the beautiful cypress swamps and marshes, the small town of Lake View is the epitome of a charming southern small town.  Where everyone knows their neighbors and where football is king.  No big city hustle and bustle here and that suits the residents of Lake View just fine.

Lake View was first called Ford’s Mill in 1792 after Major William Ford constructed “the lake” and grist mill on the site. The name was changed to Page’s Mill in 1870 when Joseph Nichols Page purchased the property from Dr. C.T. Ford and built a large general store to serve the community.

The town became incorporated as Page’s Mill on February 26, 1907. The town voted to change the name of the town from Page’s Mill to Lake View and on May 12, 1916,the town became incorporated as Lake View.  The town has just under 900 residents and operates under a Council-Manager form of government.

Additional Information

• USA.com Town of Lake View Facts & Livability Information
• SCiway Town of Lake View Information
• Pee Dee Tourism Commission

The Town of Latta
Latta, like Dillon, sprang from the coming of the railroad. The nucleus of the town was created “in 1888 when the railroad officials decided that a loading station was essential seven miles south of Dillon. Choosing a name for the new station posed a problem as there were several prominent families in the area deserving of the honor, and the railroad officials did not want to show partiality. Finally, the name of Latta was selected out of respect for Robert J. Latta, a native of York, who surveyed the right-of-way for the railroad and made plans for future expansion of the loading point.

Latta grew steadily but more slowly than Dillon. W.W. George erected the first store building in the town and later a dwelling. S.A. McMillan, J.J. Bethea, and D.M. and John L. Dew opened businesses in the town, soon followed by Robert Rose Bethea, E.H. Berry, Lonzo Smith, and others. Many of Latta’s early settlers came from the Little Rock section of Dillon County, including the Manning, Hamer, Bethea and Berry families, among others

Due to the Town’s excellent railroad facilities, Latta rapidly grew during the first decade of the 1900’s.  In the original charter, the Town of Latta was laid out in a circle with a radius of one-half mile.  Present day Latta has now grown to a radius of approximately one mile.

Many structures within the Town of Latta are listed on the National Historic Registry.  The Town has established a Historic District which encompasses a large portion of Main Street.  Additionally, Latta is the site of the last Carnegie Library.

Today Latta is a great small town to operate a business or raise a family.  The local school district is among the best in South Carolina.   The town has just over 1,300 residents and operates under a Council-Manager form of government.

Additional Information

• Town of Latta Website
• USA.com Town of Latta Facts & Livability Information
• SCiway Town of Latta Information
• South Carolina Tourism – Town of Latta
• Pee Dee Tourism Commission

Along with charming small towns and cities, Dillon County is just a beautiful place to live and raise a family. Less than an hour to the Atlantic Ocean and the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand, 1.5 hours to Charlotte, and two hours to historic Charleston. Residents of Dillon County and its towns and cities have the ease and carefree life of living in a rural area but Interstate 95 which bisects the County provides citizens an opportunity to be in all of the great places in North and South Carolina in just a short drive.

The County has historic buildings, outdoor recreational opportunities via the cypress swamps, Pee Dee River, and its many tributaries. The County is an outdoor enthusiasts dream place to be.  There’s also several businesses and sites that are uniquely Dillon. Here are just a few.

South of the Border
For over 70 years, billboards – hundreds of them – have lined Interstate 95 telling motorists just how far away they are from this one of a kind travel stop and piece of Americana. This travel stop has hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and just about anything and everything vacationers and travelers might need – or not need.  Truly one of America’s most unique travel stops.  For more information visit: www.sobpedro.com

Abingdon Manor
The only luxury accommodations in the Carolinas or Georgia close to Interstate 95, Abingdon Manor is listed by AAA as a “Classic Country Inn” and hasreceived the prestigious Four Diamond rating for twelve consecutive years.

The property, on the National Register of Historic Places, was built at the beginning of the 20th century as an opulent private home and, while now an Inn, retains the feel of a private residence.  Ranked among the best Inns in the country, it is located in the heart of the historic district of the charming village of Latta, just 25 miles north of Florence, SC.

Purchased by Michael and Patty Griffey from Miami, Florida in 1995 to operate as a luxury Inn and Restaurant, thoughtful renovations, decorating and extensive landscaping have turned this magnificent building into a refined, elegant setting for discriminating travelers.  To book your stay visit www.abingdonmanor.com

Other Points of Interest
The Historic Dillon County Courthouse completed in 1911, is one of the few remaining examples of Beaux Arts style and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  The top floor hallway is an interesting display of more than 40 picture depicting the county’s history. Open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm except holidays.

The Dillon County Theater is home to the MacArthur Avenue Players, the county’s little theater group, which performs a variety of plays annually. The theater also hosts musicals, concerts, and pageants.The present day theatre had its grand opening in January, 1990.  It is one of the few remaining examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the state and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Named after the blackwater Little Pee Dee River,

Little Pee Dee State Park
is a subdued setting for those who want to enjoy the park’s natural features or fish the still waters of 54-acre Lake Norton.

Visitors can explore the park’s river swamp, examine features of the Sandhills region and admire an example of the mysterious geological depression unique to the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Carolina Bay.
Guests also enjoy the park’s campground, nature trail and picnic area. Fishermen appreciate Lake Norton’s ample collection of bream, bass and catfish. The park’s easy access to Interstate 95 has long made it popular with both travelers and area residents alike.

Additional Information

• Dillon County Historical Society
• Discover South Carolina

  Druscilla Blakely, Clerk To Council
Dillon County Administration
109 S 3rd Avenue
P.O Box 449
Dillon, SC 29536

Phone: (843) 774-1401
Fax: (843) 774-1443
Email: dblakely@dilloncountysc.org

County Council Meetings
Dillon County Council meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month beginning at 5 p.m. unless otherwise changed due to holidays. From time to time, Council approves a special called meeting. All special called meetings will be advertised in the local press and will also be posted on the County website and at the County Administration Building and Council Chambers.

2024 Dillon County Council Regular Called Meeting Schedule
Council Meets 4th Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Wednesday, December 18, 2024

County Council Meeting Place
County Council holds all meetings unless specified otherwise at the Dillon County Administration Building, Council Chambers, 109 S 3rd Avenue, Dillon, SC 29536

Requests To Address County Council
Should any person, group or organization request to be heard upon any matter at a regular or special meeting of Council, such person, group or organization shall submit a written request to the Chairman of County Council to place such matter on the agenda for the meeting at least seven (7) days prior to the date set for such meeting. The request shall specifically state the reason for the appearance.

The written request should be sent by USPS mail, hand delivered, or faxed to the Clerk to County Council. To make a request or for more information contact:

Druscilla Blakely, Clerk to Council
109 S 3rd Avenue
P.O Box 449
Dillon, SC 29536

Phone: (843) 774-1401
Fax: (843) 774-1443
Email: dblakely@dilloncountysc.org

2024 Council Agendas & Minutes

     February 6, 2024      Agenda  Minutes

2023 Council Agendas & Minutes

2022 Council Agendas & Minutes

 For agendas and minutes prior to 2022 you can click on the link below and go to the Dillon County Council Agendas & Minutes Archive Page.

• Agendas and Minutes Archive

The Dillon County Council has the power to create Boards and Commissions that assist the Council and staff with work important to the citizens of Dillon County.  Dillon County Council appoints members of each Board or Commission. Many Boards, Commissions, or Committees are created so that each of the 7 Council members appoint a member so that each of the 7 Districts of the County are represented.  Each Board, Commission, or Committee has its own mission, rules, and regulations as set and approved by County Council.  

The current Boards & Commission are:

• Dillon County Airport Commission
• Dillon County Library Board of Trustees
• Dillon County Planning Commission
• Dillon County Zoning Board of Appeals
• Dillon County Public-Private Economic Development Partnership Board
• Dillon County Transportation Committee
• Dillon County Conversation District

Interested In Serving On A County Board, Commission or Committee?
Any citizen of Dillon County can request and apply to serve on any of the Boards, Commissions, or Committees.  County Council has final say on those selected for each vacancy, but all applications will be reviewed and considered. If interested in serving on one of the Dillon County Boards, Commissions, or Committees contact your Council member or the Clerk To Council at:

Druscilla Blakely, Clerk To Council
Dillon County Administration
109 S 3rd Avenue
P.O Box 449
Dillon, SC 29536

Phone: (843) 774-1401
Fax: (843) 774-1443
Email: dblakely@dilloncountysc.org

County Council Member Contact Information