Greenville

Greenville County, South Carolina’s most populous county, lies in the Upstate.

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

Manly Field | History Of SC Slide Collection
Manly Field | History Of SC Slide Collection
Episode 3

Photo

Manly Field, Furman, 1929--the first football stadium in the South Atlantic to be lighted for games at night. A newspaper account of the first night game played there reports that the lights were on...
Joe Tilghman | History Of SC Slide Collection
Joe Tilghman | History Of SC Slide Collection
Episode 2

Photo

Joe Tilghman, who played for Furman University, was named All State End in 1924, 1925, and 1926. From the Baptist Historical Collection. Courtesy of the Furman University Archives Special Collections...