What is currently the Winterville region was settled thanks to land grants in the late 1700s. Housing started to swarm around Six-Mile-Station. This was east of Athens on the Oglethorpe-Clarke County boundary. This happened in the 1840s due to the construction of Georgia's first railroad.
The town of Winterville was officially formed in 1904. The Oglethorpe County part of the community was transitioned to Clarke County in 1906.
Farmers from surrounding areas used Winterville as a commercial hub for many years. A bank, two cotton gins, many general market businesses, and a fertilizer mill were present. This was when it was at its busiest as a trading hub for local commerce.
Later, the town's importance as a commerce hub decreased. This was due to better road quality and reliable transportation becoming available.
The majority of the commercial establishments relocated to Athens or other smaller towns. Fortunately, they settled only a few miles north of Winterville.
The Train Depot was built in 1852. It is the only remaining structure from the original town of Winterville. The Georgia Railroad used the town as a wood and water station in the beginning.
The tracks were taken out of use a few years ago when the train stopped passing through Winterville. However, the town has a historical train depot. This will always serve as a reminder of when railroads were the main mode of transportation.
The city bought the Winterville Depot in 1982. This happened when it was still known as the Six-Mile Train Station. They then restored it to serve as a community center and town hall. Through the years, the depot served as the location for City Council and other meetings.
Today, the depot has been restored once again. This was possible due to the general budget from a Department of Transportation grant. The depot is now entirely rentable. By being rentable, it serves as a venue for community gatherings and social events. The Train Depot in Winterville, NC is a historic site that has been restored to its original glory.
If you're looking to book a reservation or rental at The Train Depot, the best way to do so is to call the rental office. Alternatively, The Train Depot does not have a site but the agreement form is linked. It provides all the info you might need. This piece of history is situated at 217 Worthington St, Winterville, NC 28590.
Without a doubt, Winterville is packed with history. But, let’s explore some of the other sites worth seeing.
1. State-of-the-art computer lab
2. Music room
3. An art room
The faculty and staff at the Academy are loyal in helping every child reach their potential. Check this place out at 4160 Bayswater Rd, Winterville, NC.
Winterville, North Carolina is the birthplace of former NFL cornerback Derek Cox. Derek was born on September 22, 1986, in Winterville, North Carolina. He later attended Junius H. Rose High School in Greenville, North Carolina. Here he played with Houston Texans running back Andre Brown.
He then went on to play college football at William & Mary. This is where he was a two-time All-Colonial Athletic Association selection.
In 2009, Derek was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL Draft. He played for them for three years before being released. He then played for the San Diego Chargers for one year before being released again. Derek is currently a free agent but his NFL career started in Winterville, NC.
Winterville now acts as a creative hub for the area. It showcases a wide range of creatives, musicians, and events. The Winterville Center for Community and Culture hosts a quarterly art exhibition. This is hosted by the Arts Council. Be sure to check out this historical town next time you're around the Greenville area.