Willington is a charming hamlet located in northwest McCormick County . It is a delightful place to break your journey along the Nature Route of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor. Willington was the home of the Willington Academy which educated many of the South's early leaders including eleven governors, three vice presidents and several college presidents.

A railroad was built to support the community and its burgeoning cotton industry. At the turn of the 20th Century, the town boasted 13 stores, a livery stable, doctor's office and post office. The area began to fade during the Great Depression and by the mid 1990's the town was named one of "Eleven Most Endangered Historic Sites in SC." by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Willington on the Way, a non-profit organization, was established to save and renovate buildings in the community. Over the years the organization has received grants and donations to fund this mission. The Willington Bookshop, a non-profit endeavor, is the heart of the “Book Town.” The Bookshop, along with private and charitable donations, supports the History Center and the continuing maintenance of the historic buildings.

The History Center now includes local genealogical resources and historical artifacts. The History Center also schedules and conducts tours of the Daniel P. Juengst Railroad and Post Office Building and the African American Cultural Center.

Willington retains its small town charm on SC Highway 81, but it enjoys a new lease on life as a Book Town that reflects its origins as a village founded on the values of education.