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

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Map of South Carolina highlighting Spartanburg County
Location of Spartanburg County in South Carolina

Welcome to Spartanburg County, South Carolina! This area is full of amazing history, and many of its special places are protected. This article will tell you about some of these important spots that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a special hall of fame for buildings, sites, and areas that have played a big part in American history.

Exploring History in Spartanburg County

Spartanburg County is located in the beautiful state of South Carolina. It's known for its rich past, from old mills to grand homes and important public buildings. These places help us understand how people lived, worked, and built communities long ago.

What is the National Register?

The National Register of Historic Places is an official list kept by the United States government. When a building, site, or historic area is added to this list, it means it's considered very important to the history of the country, state, or local community. Being on the Register helps protect these places and makes sure they can be enjoyed and learned from for many years to come.

In Spartanburg County, there are 73 properties and historic districts currently on this special list. A few others were once listed but have since been removed, usually because they were damaged or demolished.

Cool Historic Places to See

Let's explore some of the fascinating places in Spartanburg County that are on the National Register!

Homes with a Story

Many historic homes in Spartanburg County offer a peek into the past.

  • The Alexander House in Spartanburg was listed in 2003. It's a beautiful old home that shows the architectural styles of its time.
  • Bon Haven, also in Spartanburg, became a historic site in 1976. Imagine the families who lived here and the stories these walls could tell!
  • The Evins-Bivings House, listed in 1970, is another grand home in Spartanburg. It stands as a reminder of the city's early days.
  • The Bishop William Wallace Duncan House is a significant home in Spartanburg. It was first listed in 1976, removed, and then relisted in 2009, showing its lasting importance.
  • The Walter Scott Montgomery House in Spartanburg, listed in 1984, is another example of the county's historic residential architecture.
  • The Nicholls-Crook House, southwest of Spartanburg, was added to the Register in 1973. It's a great example of older homes in the rural parts of the county.
  • The William Dixon Fowler House in Pauline, listed in 2012, is a historic farmstead that tells a story of rural life.
  • The Jammie Seay House in Spartanburg, listed in 1971, is another interesting historic residence.

Old Mills and Factories

Spartanburg County has a strong history with textile mills, which were once very important for jobs and the economy.

  • Anderson's Mill, west of Spartanburg, was listed in 1978. It's an old mill that reminds us of the county's industrial past.
  • The Apalache Mill in Greer was added to the Register in 2015. It's a large mill complex that played a big role in the local economy.
  • Arcadia Mill No. 1 and Arcadia Mill No. 2 in Spartanburg were listed in 2014 and 2005, respectively. These mills show the growth of the textile industry in the area.
  • The Converse Mill in Spartanburg, listed in 2015, is another example of the important textile heritage.
  • Drayton Mill in Spartanburg, listed in 2012, is a large mill complex that has been redeveloped, but its historic character is preserved.
  • Inman Mills in Inman, listed in 2016, represents the textile industry's impact on smaller towns.
  • The Pacolet Mill Office and Pacolet Mills Cloth Room and Warehouse in Pacolet were listed in 2004 and 2006. These buildings were key parts of the mill operations. The entire Pacolet Mills Historic District was listed in 2007, showing how the whole community grew around the mills.

Important Public Buildings

Public buildings often tell stories about a community's growth and civic life.

  • The American Legion Building in Spartanburg, listed in 2003, is a place where veterans gathered.
  • The Central Methodist Church and the Church of the Advent, both in Spartanburg, are beautiful historic churches listed in 2003 and 2000. They show the importance of faith and community.
  • The Cleveland Law Range in Spartanburg, listed in 1973, is an old building connected to the legal history of the county.
  • The Cowpens Depot in Cowpens, listed in 1997, is an old train station. Train depots were once vital hubs for travel and trade.
  • The Hotel Oregon in Spartanburg, listed in 2001, was once a busy hotel.
  • The Montgomery Building in Spartanburg, listed in 2011, is a tall, historic building that has been a landmark in the city for many years.
  • The United States Post Office and Court House in Spartanburg, now known as the Donald S. Russell Courthouse, was listed in 2017. It's an important government building.

Schools and Colleges

Education has always been important in Spartanburg County, and some of its old schools are now historic sites.

  • The Converse College Historic District in Spartanburg, listed in 1975, includes many historic buildings on the college campus.
  • Frank Evans High School in Spartanburg, listed in 2012, is a historic school building.
  • Fremont School in Spartanburg, listed in 2000, is another example of the county's educational history.
  • The Marysville School in Pacolet, listed in 2007, was an important school for its community.
  • The Pine Street Elementary School in Spartanburg, listed in 2016, is a historic school building that has served many generations of students.
  • The Reidville Academy Faculty House in Reidville, listed in 1997, was part of an old academy.
  • Walker Hall at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind in Spartanburg, listed in 1977, is a significant building on the campus.
  • The Wofford College Historic District in Spartanburg, listed in 1974, includes the historic campus of this well-known college.
  • The Old Woodruff High School in Woodruff, listed in 2006, is a former high school building.
  • The Mary H. Wright Elementary School in Spartanburg, listed in 2007, is another historic school.

Unique Historic Sites

Some places are special because of their unique history or what they represent.

  • Camp Hill in Glenn Springs, listed in 1970, is a historic site that tells a story of the past.
  • The Daniel Morgan Monument in Spartanburg, listed in 1980, honors a hero from the American Revolutionary War.
  • The Pacolet Soapstone Quarries are a group of archaeological sites near Pacolet, listed in 1980. These sites show where Native Americans once quarried soapstone, a soft rock used for making tools and bowls.
  • Foster's Tavern in Spartanburg, listed in 1970, and McMakin's Tavern near Lyman, listed in 1974, were old taverns or inns where travelers would stop.
  • Price's Post Office near Moore, listed in 1969, was an early post office.
  • Smith's Tavern near Roebuck, listed in 1974, is another historic tavern.
  • The Walnut Grove Plantation southeast of Spartanburg, listed in 1970, is a historic plantation site.
  • The Williams Place southwest of Glenn Springs, listed in 1982, is another historic property in a rural setting.

Places That Are No Longer There

Sadly, some historic places are lost over time. In Spartanburg County, a few properties were once on the National Register but have since been removed. For example, the Franklin Hotel in Spartanburg was demolished, and both Fredonia and Ingleside near Moore were lost to fires. Even when a building is gone, its history can still be remembered.

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