A Legacy of Innovation & Stewardship
The legacy of Stantonville runs deep, rooted in the stories of its people and the land they’ve tended for generations. From its founding in 1811, Stantonville has stood as a symbol of resilience, community, and Southern tradition. Here, history isn’t something you read about—it’s something you live, something that whispers from the trees, the old houses, and the worn paths that crisscross our town.
Our ancestors laid the foundation for a town that would not only survive but thrive. Through triumphs and trials, Stantonville has held onto its spirit, with each generation adding its own chapter to the story. Whether it’s the civil rights leaders who marched through our streets or the families who worked the land, shaping the town's agricultural heritage, Stantonville’s legacy is a testament to strength, sacrifice, and the determination to preserve what matters most.
Today, Stantonville honors its past through every aspect of daily life. Our heritage festivals, community events, and local businesses all pay homage to the people who came before us—those who tilled the soil, built the homes, and started the traditions we still cherish. It’s a legacy of both pride and responsibility, passed down through generations, ensuring that Stantonville remains a place where history and the future are always in conversation.
But Stantonville’s legacy isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about building on it. We carry forward the wisdom of our ancestors as we grow, creating new opportunities for generations to come. From education to local entrepreneurship, Stantonville’s future is bright because it’s grounded in something real, something enduring.
Come and be a part of Stantonville’s legacy—a legacy that lives on in every brick, every tree, and every story waiting to be told.
an ancestor's prayer
The profits from the watermelon business allowed the Maxwells to diversify their investments, venturing into timber, construction, and eventually, real estate. Their success in these industries led to the birth of The Well, the venture capital arm of the company. Having started from the ground up themselves, the Maxwells understood the value of investing in local talent, and they made it their mission to give entrepreneurs in Stantonville the same opportunity they had—to grow, innovate, and succeed.
Through each generation, the Maxwell family has guided the corporation with a commitment to ethical practices, community growth, and environmental stewardship.
For nearly a century, The Blackwell Corporation has been a driving force behind Stantonville’s development. The town's main streets, homes, and even some of the historic buildings have been touched by Blackwell’s influence, with their commitment to quality and sustainability evident in every project. The company was instrumental in building Stantonville’s infrastructure—paving roads, constructing schools, and restoring historical landmarks. Blackwell’s contributions helped shape the town into what it is today, but their commitment to Stantonville goes beyond business.
The Blackwell Corporation is more than just a business in Stantonville—it's a cornerstone of the town’s history, culture, and economy.
Elijah MAXwell
Founder
The Blackwell Corporation’s deep ties to Stantonville began nearly a century ago with a humble watermelon farm. The WAMECo was owned by Ma Belle, wife to Elijah Maxwell who founded The Blackwell in 1924, the family’s first business venture wasn’t in lumber or construction—it was in agriculture.
The Watermelon Collective (WaMe Co), established by the Blackwell family, became one of the most successful watermelon businesses in the region, turning the fertile land of Stantonville into a thriving agricultural hub. This success laid the foundation for what would become one of the town’s most influential companies.
The MAXwell family has always maintained deep ties to the community. Whether through their investment of other businesses, scholarships for local students, sponsoring town events, or contributing to conservation efforts, The Blackwell Corporation’s relationship with Stantonville is one of reciprocity. They’ve built more than just structures; they’ve built trust and loyalty within the community.
Despite the corporation’s success and growth into a regional powerhouse, its headquarters remain in the heart of Stantonville, a symbol of its enduring connection to the town. Elijah Maxwell’s great-grandchildren now run the company, continuing the family’s tradition of responsible development while ensuring that Blackwell remains a fixture in the town's story. Their commitment to preserving Stantonville’s character while embracing innovation speaks to the corporation’s role as both a guardian of history and a pioneer of the future.
The Blackwell Corporation is not just part of Stantonville’s legacy—it is a legacy itself, woven into the very fabric of the town’s past, present, and future.
When Blackwell Ventures invested in my business, they weren’t just giving me money—they were giving me belief. The Maxwells made it possible for me to grow something I’m proud of.
— isley b. Watts
Owner of Watts Creek Brewery
