ARLINGTON RACEWAY
Carved from a cotton field on the edge of town, Darlington Raceway opened in 1950 as stock car racing’s first superspeedway. Darlington resident Harold Brasington, in an effort to preserve a neighbor’s minnow pond, built the track in an egg-shape. As a result, the narrow racing groove and disproportionately banked curves have created one of the most demanding ovals in NASCAR. Fans and drivers hail Darlington Raceway as the track “too tough to tame,” the most unpredictable and toughest in NASCAR racing. The 1.366 mile oval is host to two major racing weekends each year. Contact Darlington Raceway for ticket information.
LIBERTY LANE
This beautiful outdoor area houses the Winston Walk of Fame, honoring NASCAR stock car drivers who have won at Darlington Raceway. Visitors can compare their hands with those of NASCAR greats like as Neil Bonnett, Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott, Harry Gant and Richard Petty who have left their handprints in the cement of the Lane.
MURAL
In 1985 Darlington County celebrated its Bicentennial and unveiled the large mural painted by muralist, Blue Sky. The mural was based on a series of postcards, circa 1909/1935, depicting the of the Public Square. Now faded, it is slated to be restored in the summer of 2001.
THE DARLINGTON COUNTY HISTORIC COMISSION
The building, built as one of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s W.P.A. projects, was built in 1937 as a jail. Nowadays it serves as home to the county’s archives and extensive genealogical records. The Commission walls are adorned with rare photographs of the area along with other artifacts. Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm. Admission: Free.
J. C. DANIEL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The current building was dedicated to a long-time superintendent John Carlisle-J.C.-Daniel in 1945. Today the J.C. Daniel Center is an active community arts center and hosts several performances each year.
HISTORIC HOMES AND BUILDINGS OF DARLINGTON
From St. John’s Elementary School (1818) to the Samuel Wilds House, Darlington’s history can be told in the many historic churches, homes, and buildings around the town. Visitors can drive through the historic district or tour a historic tour. During the holidays, many of the private homes are open for a Christmas tour.