Latta Real Estate

Latta is a charming town in Dillon county, South Carolina. Latta is the second largest town in Dillon, originally established in 1887. Latta is well known as a charming southern town with amazing Victorian-style homes. This delightful area borders North Carolina, making it easy for residents to enjoy the best features in the Carolinas. The welcoming atmosphere in Latta attracts homebuyers from all over the country. Not only is Latta a beautiful place to live, it is also decorated with historic buildings and holds a long standing agricultural legacy. 

Dillon county began when John W. Dillon proposed an idea that would propel the area’s economic development. Latta sprang up when the Wilson Short Cut Railroad extended transportation 7 miles south of Dillon. John W. Dillon’s  idea was a railroad that would run through Dillon to promote it’s agricultural industry. When the tracks were successfully laid, Dillon became a hub for the agricultural industry.

Naming this railroad station was challenging as there were several prominent families in the area to honor. Eventually the station was named after Robert J. Latta. Robert J Latta was a native of York. He surveyed the right-of-way for the future expansion of the loading point and the railroad itself. After the Civil War the area’s industry fell into decline. The land was eventually renourished in the middle portion of the state. Cotton production traveled westward to places like Dillon county, which remains a top cotton producer today. The area is also known for its booming agricultural industry in soybean production. 

Latta’s ideal coastal plain produces the most cotton in South Carolina! This area of South Carolina produces upland cotton, which only grows in the Piedmont area and the inner coastal plain. To learn more about Latta’s amazing history, you can visit the Dillon County Museum, which was constructed in 1915. The museum was once the office of the late Dr. Henry Edwards. The Society began restoration in 1997 and is now a part of the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the home that sits next to the museum. 

The Dillon County Museum offers a 20th century inside look at Dillon, with old documents, photographs, memorabilia, and more to peruse. Across the street from the museum you will find the old Bethea Post Office, which was named after Robert Bethea, who was a black merchant in the area. Robert Bethea was appointed by President Grover Cleveland and remains a prominent name in Latta. The old General Store next to the post office is still in working order, and has been in operation since 1888. You are sure to be immersed in the area’s long standing history everywhere you look. 

Many find the Vidalia Academy to be a particularly interesting historic place in Latta. The Vidalia Academy is a restored one-room schoolhouse. Its original location was on a nearby farm. Not only will you find plenty of amazing preserved landmarks, you can also dine in the historic Abingdon Manor Inn and Restaurant. The Abington Manor was once a private residence, built in 1902. The Manor is now a AAA Four Diamond restaurant with a variety of amazing menu items. The Abington Manor has incredible offerings including Caribbean snapper, rack of lamb, beef wellington, grilled shrimp in romesco sauce, and so much more.

The Ellis Performing Arts Center is another favored attraction in the area. Like all of the other features in Latta, this is a place with a long standing history. Originally the center was the Latta High School auditorium, however, it burned down in the early 1970s. A new theater was built in the old gym in 1954, making it a 20,000 square foot center with 458 seats. Later, in 2007, the formation of Latta Schools Education Foundation raised money privately to rebuild a brand new fine arts building. This became the Ellis Performing Arts Center, which was named after Fred and Bonnie Ellis. Bonnie and Fred, former graduates of Latta High School, made a generous donation of $800,000 towards the cause.

Bonnie was a former teacher in the district and Fred was an accompanist for the High School’s chorus. Today you can see soloists, local performers, and many other artists at the Ellis Performing Arts Center. Although Latta continues to put on performances at the arts center, the area is most known for its popular softball and baseball program. Latta has a little something for everyone in the family. Whether you enjoy exploring historic places, checking out live theater, or playing ball, you are sure to please the whole family with a residence here. 

South Carolina’s Pee Dee area is the homeland of Native American Indians. Pee Dee includes the Grand Strand and beaches from the North Carolina state border to the Winyah Bay in Georgetown county. The most popular regions in this area include Bennettsville, Cheraw, Darlington, Dillon, Hartsville, Lake City, Marion, Chesterfield, Florence, Latta, and Timmonsville.

Buying a new home is a big decision! We love matching homebuyers with their dream home. BRG Real Estate is committed to helping you buy a home in the ideal place for you and your family. Not sure where to start? Check out our website and find community information on all listings in the Pee Dee area!