Cross Keys, South Carolina facts for kids
Cross Keys is a small, historic community in Union County, South Carolina, United States. It's not an official town, but a place where people live and have a shared history. Long ago, it was known for a large and successful farm called the Cross Keys plantation. A post office was set up here in 1809, helping people send and receive mail, and it stayed open until 1909.
The famous Cross Keys House was built between 1812 and 1814. This important house stood right where two major old roads met: the Old Charleston Road (now called Old Buncombe Road) and the Old Ninety-Six Road (also known as the Old Piedmont Stage Road). Because of its location, it was a popular stop for travelers in the early days. Today, the Cross Keys House is recognized as a special historical site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another important historical place nearby is Padgett's Creek Baptist Church.
How Did Cross Keys Get Its Name?
Local stories tell us how Cross Keys got its unique name. It all started with two British brothers who traveled from Charleston into the Upstate region of South Carolina.
The Story of the Two Brothers
One brother, who was in charge of sailing their ship, found a good piece of land in southern Spartanburg County. He decided to settle there, and that area became known as Cross Anchor. Meanwhile, the other brother, who was responsible for holding the ship's keys, explored further into Union County. He chose to settle in the area we now call Cross Keys. This story explains the "Keys" part of the name!
