Denmark Depot
Denmark Beginnings
The town was originally known as Graham's
Turnout, when the South Carolina Canal &
Railroad line came through in the 1830s.
There were 16turnouts, or pull-offs for
passing, on the line with watering tanks
and woodsheds. Its name was changed to
Denmark in 1893 in honor of a railroad
official with Sound Bound Railroad.
Denmark depot is still an active Amtrak
station.
Dairy in Denmark
South Carolina Senator Stanwix Greenville
Mayfield, a lawyer, was a major landowner
on the south side of Denmark and his home
was located on Carolina highway. Mayfield
owned and operated one of the two largest
dairies in town. Another major dairyman in
Denmark, James B. Guess, was a producer
of champion Guernsey cattle. Guess had
around 400 head of dairy cattle and produced
Golden Guernsey milk. Neither of the
original dairies exists today.
Dane Cultural Center
Seating more than 700, this 1950's era movie
theater was the largest in the area. After
closing as a movie theater in the 1960's, it
sat vacant for a few years. Restored today
to its original art deco style, the Dane
Theater now serves as a cultural center.
The center hosts plays, concerts, and
meetings and still serves an active role in
the community.
( at left )
Jim Harrison Gallery
The historic railroad town of Denmark is
home to nationally recognized artist, Jim
Harrison, Jim is well known for his nature
and rural landscape scenes. Visitors can
find His landscape and Coca-Cola art
displayed at the Jim Harrison Gallery just
down from the Denmark Depot.
(at right )
AT&T Building
During WWII, the AT&T building, and nearby
train depot were guarded by soldiers from
Fort Stewart, Georgia. These buildings were
important links in the nation’s communications
and was considered a prime target for sabotage.
This historic building is now a home to Caroline"s
Antique Collection on Carolina Highway.
Voorhees College
Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, a 22-year old graduate
of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, founded
Voorhees College in 1897.Tuskegee Institute
trained teachers to provide educational
services to African-American communities that
may be undeserved. Miss Wright received
financial support from various groups
including the Episcopal Churches throughout
the country, African-American churches, and
the Ralph Voorhees family from New Jersey.
Locally, S.C. Senator Stanwix Greenville
Mayfield advised Miss Wright in obtaining
land, and working with contractors. The result
was Voorhees Junior College. Voorhees is one
of the oldest African-American institutions
of higher education in the state.
Marker is on West Baruch Street (U.S. 78) near South Cedar Avenue, on the left when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
