Pageland is located in northwestern Chesterfield County, halfway between Chesterfield and Lancaster. A few families lived in the area as early as 1788, but the town itself was not formed until the Cheraw-Lancaster Railroad built a depot here in 1904.



In 1907, 157 residents signed a petition to incorporate the area and named it Pageland after Adolphus High "Dolly" Page. Page was the C&L engineer responsible for bringing the railroad through town.

The railroad no longer exists, but Pageland's close proximity to Charlotte still brings many travelers its way. Several large industries and distribution centers have set up shop in Pageland, and there is a collection of small businesses downtown.



Importantly, this rural community is also home to many farms, such as the one pictured above. Its sandy soil is particularly well-suited for growing melons and peaches. Known as the "Watermelon Capitol of the World," Pageland hosts the Watermelon Festival each July to celebrate this delicious summertime treat!

Many thanks to Chris Austin for sharing these pictures he took in 2012.