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Hampton Heights Historic District
Irwin House in Historic Hampton Heights.jpg
The Irwin House is one of the oldest and grandest homes in Hampton Heights.
Hampton Heights is located in South Carolina
Hampton Heights
Location in South Carolina
Hampton Heights is located in the United States
Hampton Heights
Location in the United States
Location Roughly bounded by Spring, Henry, Hydrick, Peronneau Sts., Hampton Dr., and Hampton Ave., (both sides), Spartanburg, South Carolina
Area 45 acres (18 ha)
Architectural style Bungalow/Craftsman, Queen Anne
NRHP reference No. 83002208
Added to NRHP January 27, 1983

Hampton Heights is a cool old neighborhood in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It's known for its beautiful historic homes. Even though some homes date back to 1885, most were built between the early 1900s and the 1930s.

This is the oldest neighborhood in the city. It is also very close to Morgan Square, which is the historic center of Spartanburg. After a tough time in the 1960s and 70s, Hampton Heights is now a lively place where many homes are being fixed up and improved!

History of Hampton Heights

During the mid to late 1800s, most of the Hampton Heights area was farmland. It was owned by the Kirby family. Their home was on top of a hill, looking over the city of Spartanburg. Today, that spot is where Bethel Methodist Church stands.

Growth of the Neighborhood

As Spartanburg's economy grew in the 1890s, many wealthier families wanted homes. They looked for places close to the city center but not right in the busy downtown area. Many chose to build along Spring Street and the new Hampton Avenue. This area also had a small dairy farm owned by the Irwin family.

By the early 1900s, homes lined many other streets in the neighborhood. These streets include Hydrick Street, Lee Street, and Carlisle Street. Other streets are Brookwood Terrace, Hampton Drive, and Perroneau Street. You can also find homes on Irwin Avenue, Pinckney Court, Timothy Street, South Hampton Drive, and Cecil Court.

Architectural Styles

The homes in Hampton Heights show off many different building styles. You can see Queen Anne homes with their fancy towers and wrap-around porches. There are also Dutch Colonial homes with their unique gambrel roofs. Other styles include Arts and Crafts homes, known for their natural materials. You can also find Colonial Revival homes, which look like older American colonial houses.

Hampton Heights Today

Hampton Heights has seen many positive changes over the years. People in the community have worked hard to protect its history and make it a great place to live.

Historic Recognition

In 1983, the neighborhood was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This happened after several people in the neighborhood worked hard to get it recognized. Being on this list helps protect the historic character of the area. In 1998, Hampton Heights was also named a local historic district.

That same year, a group called the Preservation Trust of Spartanburg was created. Their goal is to help more people own homes in the neighborhood. They also work to make sure the historic homes are preserved for the future.

Community Life

Hampton Heights has a very active neighborhood association. This group plans fun events throughout the year. They organize home tours where you can see inside the beautiful old houses. They also host picnics, clean-up days, and other activities that bring neighbors together.

The neighborhood is also home to two public parks. These are Willow Oaks Park and Irwin Park. They offer green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Gallery

External Links

  • Hampton Heights Neighborhood Association
  • Hampton Heights Information
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