#ThisIsThePlace: Vineland Station

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) – Vineland Station was one of the first brick train depots in North Carolina.

It was originally built back in 1903 as a train depot.  It sat in disrepair for a number of years, until a joint effort to extensively renovate the building to its original luster.

The depot got its name from the expansive Scuppernong grape vineyards that once covered the area.

“Tons of grapes were shipped all over country,” said Les High, Depot Renovation Campaign Chairman, “And so they decided to build permanent brick depot which still has a lot of the same slate roof that was on it originally, so Vineland Station, because of the vines and the grapes.”

Before it was renovated, a run-down Vineland Station hosted a presidential visit.

Bill Clinton made his own roadtrip here on april 26th, 2000, to talk about rural development and high-speed internet access.  It was the first time a U.S. president visited Columbus County.

That was not Mr. Clinton’s last visit here.

Eight years ago, he came back.

On April 30, 2008, he stopped at Vineland Station again,  this time to campaign for his wife, Hillary, who was running for president.

With her running again, perhaps Whiteville could be in for a third visit!