Greenville County, South Carolina’s most populous county, lies in the Upstate. Two popular opinions exist on the origin of the name of Greenville County and its county seat: Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene or area local Isaac Green.
Cherokee Indians lived in the area first, but they eventually gave up control of the land to South Carolina in a 1777 treaty. After the signing of this treaty, a fair number of Scotch-Irish and English settlers came to the region. Soon after, in 1786, Greenville District was founded. However, this district existed within the Washington District from 1791 to 1800.
Although historically a vacation area for coastal South Carolina planters, the county’s rivers powered the majority of the county’s early economy. The river gave rise to iron works, cotton mills, and Greenville’s textile industry. From the Reconstruction Era until the late 20th century, the textile industry defined Greenville County’s economy, at one point so much so that the county earned the title of “Textile Capital of the World.”
Modern Greenville County’s economy has transitioned away from textiles. Over the last few decades the county has been the answer for many corporations wondering where to relocate. Greenville County’s economy now centers around technology, manufacturing, engineering, and business.
History of Greenville County. Accessed June 03, 2016.
http://www.greenvillecounty.org/
South Carolina Counties by Population. Accessed June 08, 2016.
ttp://www.southcarolina-demographics.com/counties_by_population
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The textile industry was the dominant industry in South Carolina for many years, but it became so successful that Greenville was even known as the "Textile Capital of the World." Greenville became so...
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A replica of an 1823 Greenville County Courthouse, which was eventually torn down, sits in the lobby of the Upcountry History Museum. The building was designed by famous architect Robert Mills, who...
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Upcountry History Museum volunteer, Charles Blakely, shares his experience working in a textile mill. Blakely, who worked in a mill in Laurens, S.C. for one summer, says working in a textile mill was...
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Robert Mills, born in Charleston, S.C., is considered by many to be the first American architect. In addition to some of his more well-known buildings across the state, Mills is also credited with...
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The Upcountry History Museum - Furman University connects people, history and culture in a variety of different ways. You can learn about local history, or check out some of the museum's traveling...
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The Upcountry History Museum is a history museum in Greenville, South Carolina that displays the regional history of fifteen upstate South Carolina counties from the early 18th century to the present...
Interactive
The Upcountry History Museum is a history museum in Greenville, South Carolina that displays the regional history of fifteen upstate South Carolina counties from the early 18th century to the present...
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Photo Gallery created by Sarah Pritchard, 2019 ETV Endowment Intern (Digital Media/Knowitall)
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