Zip Trip: History of Woodruff

WOODRUFF, S.C. – Woodruff is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. The city has undergone several phases over the years, and is now entering another new chapter.

A City Rooted in Tradition

“When I came up, there wasn’t anything downtown that I can remember, it was more of a bedroom community,” said Kenneth Gist, Mayor of Woodruff. For years, the city seemed immune to change, leaning heavily on faith and its fervent love for football.

Change is Coming

“Growth is hard for some people, it’s very difficult,” shared Mayor Gist. “But you must understand it’s okay to have that feeling that you don’t want the city to grow. On the flip side, you have got to be able to offer our kids jobs and housing.”

BMW: A Game Changer

Thanks to a new neighbor in town, BMW, offering jobs and housing to the next generation is finally a possibility. Lee Bailey, Woodruff’s city manager, noted, “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.”

Now, with new housing options and growing businesses, the people who grew up in Woodruff can return, work, and have a future here.

More Than Just Football

Saying goodbye to the beloved football icon Willie Varner doesn’t mean Woodruff is destined to be a ghost town. Behind the scenes, many people are working hard to demonstrate that the city has more to offer than just its football legacy.

“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 said.

A Proud Community

While BMW’s presence is strong, the morals and traditions of Woodruff are even stronger. “We’re very proud of where we are and where we come from,” Bailey stressed. “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 echoed this sentiment, 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.”

Plant Woodruff

The establishment of BMW’s “Plant Woodruff” is expected to bring over 300 jobs and has potential for future expansion. The city is optimistic about the opportunities and growth this will bring, ensuring that its rich history and vibrant culture endure for many years to come.

Stay tuned as Woodruff navigates this exciting new phase, balancing growth with preserving its unique character and community spirit.