Harleyville
Harleyville is named for the Harley family who owned much of the land that comprises the present town. William “Cow Bill” Harley owned substantial property in this vicinity and raised cattle for the Charleston market. In 1885 he sold a right of way across his land to the Eutawville Railroad, which built a road between Pregnall’s and Eutaw Springs with Harleyville a regular stop. The railroad spurred development of the lumber industry and the town was incorporated in 1893.
As automobile travel became more popular in the 20th century, Harleyville again benefitted from its location along what was then one of S.C.’s main thoroughfares. S.C. Hwy. 2 (now Hwy. 178) was the first hard-surfaced road in Dorchester County. When completed in 1932 it extended from upstate S.C. to Charleston. Considered “S.C.’s Main St.,” Hwy. 2 allowed Harleyville to remain a trading center for surrounding farms. I-26 replaced S.C. Hwy. 2 as a main highway in the 1960s.
Where it stands. Near intersection of S.C. Hwy 178 and N. Railroad Ave., Harleyville, Harleyville