Celebrating 150 Years: The Evolution of Woodruff
Woodruff, S.C. – There’s excitement in the air as Woodruff marks its 150th birthday. From its beginnings as a quiet, faith-driven community known for strong football traditions, Woodruff is now poised on the brink of transformative growth.
A Sleepy Town Awakens
When Mayor Kenneth Gist reflects on earlier days, he recalls a small town that mainly served as a quiet retreat. “When I came up, there wasn’t anything downtown that I can remember, it was more of a bedroom community,” he said.
Resistance to Change
For many years, Woodruff leaned heavily on its rich high school football culture and faith-based roots, largely avoiding significant changes. Yet, as Mayor Gist explains, the need for modern amenities and opportunities has become apparent. “Growth is hard for some people, it’s very difficult, but you must understand it’s okay, it’s okay to have that feeling that you don’t want the city to grow but on the flip side, you have got to be able to offer our kids jobs…housing,” he stated.
New Neighbors, New Opportunities
Enter BMW, a global automotive power, which has put Woodruff on a new path. The establishment of “Plant Woodruff” is set to bring over 300 jobs with potential for further expansion. With new housing options and burgeoning businesses, residents now have ample reasons to stay or return.
“For years, we had folks move away that didn’t have a place to come back to; we didn’t have many options for them, but that is changing,” noted City Manager Lee Bailey. “So the people that grew up here can come back, they can work, they can have an option for the future if they choose to come back here.”
Honoring Heritage while Embracing Change
Though BMW’s presence is a catalyst for change, Woodruff remains deeply committed to its traditions and values. “We’re very proud of where we are and where we come from,” Bailey emphasized. “That’s the thing that we strive to keep. We want to keep our culture. The culture of Woodruff and the hardworking community that just goes out and performs every day.”
The mayor resonated these sentiments, saying, “That is what we’re supposed to do, to reach out and continue to keep the faith, the hope, and the spirit in the city of Woodruff.”
Looking Ahead
There’s a palpable sense that the current administration’s work will shape Woodruff’s future for the next half-century. “I think this administration will go down in history in terms of city government, as being the ones that really shaped the future for the next 50 years,” Bailey predicted.
As Woodruff continues to evolve, it promises to be much more than a football-loving town. With enhanced infrastructure and new job opportunities, the city is set to offer its residents a robust and dynamic future while cherishing its rich past.
Happy 150th Birthday, Woodruff!
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
