Woodruff: Celebrating 150 Years of History and Transformation

WOODRUFF, S.C. – Woodruff is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. This milestone comes at a time when the city is undergoing significant changes, marking a new chapter in its vibrant history.

A Look Back at Woodruff’s Roots

The city of Woodruff, once described as a “bedroom community,” has always leaned heavily on faith and football. For many years, these pillars seemed to make Woodruff immune to change. But as Mayor Kenneth Gist explains, evolution is inevitable and essential for the growth of the community. “Growth is hard for some people, it’s very difficult, but you must understand it’s okay,” said Gist. “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.”

BMW’s Arrival: A New Era

The dynamics of Woodruff began to shift dramatically with the arrival of BMW. The establishment of BMW’s new “Plant Woodruff” is set to bring over 300 jobs, creating new opportunities for the town’s residents and encouraging those who once left to return. Lee Bailey, Woodruff’s city manager, emphasized this point: “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.”

Keeping the Community Spirit Alive

Despite the influx of new businesses and housing developments, the essence of Woodruff remains intact. Traditions and strong community values continue to define the town. “We’re very proud of where we are and where we come from,” Bailey stated. “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.”

Looking Forward: The Future of Woodruff

The administration in Woodruff is optimistic about the future. Mayor Gist believes that the current administration will be remembered for shaping the next 50 years of the city’s history. The combined efforts of city officials and new enterprises like BMW are paving the way for a thriving, resilient community.

“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,” affirmed Gist.

Conclusion

As Woodruff marks its 150th anniversary, the city stands at a crossroads of tradition and transformation. The blend of new opportunities and a strong cultural heritage promises a bright future, sustaining the cherished spirit of this historic community.