he South Carolina Railroad Museum is located in Winnsboro, in upstate South Carolina, north of Columbia and south of Charlotte. Established in 1973 by regional rail enthusiasts, the mission of the museum is to preserve and interpret the history of railroading in the Palmetto state. In 1983 the museum significantly expanded its presence with the acquisition of the 12 miles of former Rockton & Rion Railway trackage — a historic South Carolina shortline known for hauling sand and gravel until 1981. Seasonal train rides are offered over 5 miles of that right of way, extending to the west from the museum grounds. The operation is known as the Rockton, Rion & Western Railroad. The core of the museum's historic rolling stock collection came in the 1990s from the Charleston Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society. The collection includes the Hampton & Branchville #44 Baldwin locomotive and tender, several diesel-electric switchers, heavyweight and commuter passenger cars, and various freight cars and cabooses. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers train rides, railroad events, and self-guided tours.