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National Register of Historic Places listings in Greenville County, South Carolina facts for kids

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Map of South Carolina highlighting Greenville County
A map showing where Greenville County is located in South Carolina.

Welcome to Greenville County, South Carolina! This area is full of amazing old buildings and places that tell stories about the past. Many of these special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list kept by the United States government to recognize important historic sites across the country.

Being on this list means a place is worth saving because of its history, architecture, or what it means to the community. In Greenville County, there are 88 places on this list. Some are in the city of Greenville, and those are listed separately. This article focuses on the 43 historic places found in other parts of Greenville County. Let's explore some of these cool historical treasures!

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special hall of fame for buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts that are important in American history. It's part of a program by the National Park Service, which is a government agency.

When a place is added to the Register, it means it's recognized for its historical value. This can help protect it and sometimes even provide funding for its upkeep. It's a way to make sure these important parts of our past are preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

Historic Buildings and Mills

Greenville County has many old buildings that were once busy mills or important homes. These places show us how people lived and worked a long time ago.

Old Mills and Factories

Many of the historic listings in Greenville County are old textile mills. These mills were very important to the economy of South Carolina.

  • American Spinning Company Mill No. 2: This old mill is located near Greenville. It was listed on the Register in 2016, showing its importance in the history of textile manufacturing.
  • Brandon Mill: Also near Greenville, this mill was added to the list in 2014. It's another example of the large textile factories that shaped the area.
  • Conestee Mill: Found in Conestee, this mill was recognized in 2014. It played a big role in the local community.
  • Monaghan Mill: Located in City View, this mill became a historic site in 2005. It's a large building that once employed many people.
  • Pelham Mills Site: South of Greer, this site was a busy mill. It was listed in 1987, reminding us of the industrial past of the region.
  • Southern Bleachery and Print Works: In Taylors, this site was added to the Register in 2012. It was where fabrics were bleached and printed.

Important Homes and Churches

Beyond the mills, many historic homes and churches are also recognized. These buildings often show the architectural styles and daily lives of people from different time periods.

  • Arthur Barnwell House: This house, south of Greer, was listed in 1982. It's a great example of historic homes in the area.
  • William Bates House: East of Greenville, this house became a historic listing in 1978.
  • Cureton-Huff House: Southwest of Simpsonville, this house was added in 1983.
  • Davenport House: In Greer, this home was recognized in 1999.
  • John H. Goodwin House: Located in Travelers Rest, this house was listed in 1983.
  • Louie James House: Another historic home in Greer, listed in 1996.
  • McDowell House: In Fountain Inn, this house was added in 2010.
  • James A. Fulmer House: Also in Fountain Inn, this house was listed in 2015.
  • Robert G. Turner House: This house in Greer was listed in 1999.
  • R. Perry Turner House: Another Turner house in Greer, also listed in 1999.
  • F. W. Welborn House: In Fountain Inn, this house was recognized in 2010.
  • Fairview Presbyterian Church: West of Fountain Inn, this church was listed in 1977. Churches often have beautiful architecture and long histories.
  • McBee Methodist Church: In Conestee, this church is one of the oldest listings, added in 1972.

Other Unique Structures

Not all historic places are buildings. Some are bridges, schools, or even cemeteries!

  • Burdette Building: In Simpsonville, this building was listed in 2003. It's an example of historic commercial buildings.
  • Campbell's Covered Bridge: Located in Gowensville, this bridge is very special because it's a rare covered bridge. It was listed in 2009.
  • Cannon Building: In Fountain Inn, this building was added to the Register in 2005.
  • Greer Depot: This old train station in Greer was listed in 1987. Train depots were once very important centers for travel and trade.
  • Greer Post Office: The post office in Greer was recognized in 2011.
  • Fountain Inn High School: This historic school building in Fountain Inn was listed in 2009. It's a reminder of how education has grown over time.
  • Fountain Inn Principal's House and Teacherage: Also in Fountain Inn, these buildings were listed in 2011. They show how schools provided housing for staff.
  • Gilreath's Mill: Northwest of Greer, this mill was listed in 1976. It's a different type of mill, likely for grinding grain.
  • Old Pilgrim Baptist Church Cemetery and Kilgore Family Cemetery: Near Simpsonville, these cemeteries were listed in 2017. Cemeteries can be historic sites because they hold the stories of past generations.
  • Poinsett Bridge: North of Tigerville, this bridge is very old and was listed in 1970. It's a beautiful stone bridge with a long history.
  • Robert Quillen Office and Library: In Fountain Inn, this unique site was listed in 2012. It was the office and library of a notable person.
  • George Salmon House: West of Travelers Rest, this house was listed in 1988.
  • Simpsonville Baptist Church: This church in Simpsonville was listed in 1992.
  • Earle R. Taylor House and Peach Packing Shed: Near Greer, this site was listed in 2012. It shows the agricultural history of the area, especially peach farming.

Historic Districts

Sometimes, not just one building, but a whole area or group of buildings is considered historic. These are called historic districts.

  • Greer Downtown Historic District: This district in Greer includes many important buildings in the city center. It was listed in 1997.
  • Paris Mountain State Park Historic District: This state park near Greenville was recognized as a historic district in 1998. It shows how parks and natural areas can also have important history.
  • Tullyton: This district in Fountain Inn was listed in 1990.
  • Woodside Cotton Mill Village Historic District: This district includes the homes and buildings around the old Woodside Cotton Mill. It was listed in 1987, showing how entire communities grew around these large mills.

Former Listing

Sometimes, a place that was once on the National Register of Historic Places might be removed. This usually happens if the building is destroyed or changes so much that it loses its historic value.

  • Piedmont Manufacturing Company: This mill in Piedmont was listed in 1978 but was removed in 1986 because it burned down in 1983. It's a sad reminder that not all historic places can be saved forever.

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