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
Video
1909 - 1982 Herman Lay's first business enterprise was selling Pepsi-Colas from a makeshift stand in his family's front yard in Greenville. He was 11 years old. He was successful, charging a nickel a...
Video
Listen to both black and white students as they talk in a round table discussion about desegregation. Each talks about how the transition has affected them and their classes.
Video
Former students of both Greenville High and Sterling High talk about the legacy of the segregated schools before desegregation. Present day Greenville High still carries the legacy of both schools...
Video
Host, Listervelt Middleton, interviews the Rev. Jesse Jackson for the ETV series FOR THE PEOPLE. Jackson talks about the efforts of his organization Operation P.U.S.H. (People United to Save Humanity)...
Video
This documentary chronicles the desegregation of Greenville County schools in 1970. Greenville Superintendent, M.T. Anderson, explains how the transition was accomplished with "Grace and Style."
Video
A profile of Roger Craft Peace. Roger C. Peace (1899 – 1968) Roger C. Peace has the distinction of having been named to the Hall of Fame of the South Carolina Press Association and the South Carolina...
Video
Ellison S. McKissick, Jr. (1928 – 1998) Ellison S. McKissick, Jr., was only 27 years old when he became president of Alice Manufacturing Company of Easley. For nearly 50 years, his enlightened...
Video
Richard W. Riley was born January 2, 1933 in Greenville, South Carolina. He served in the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate from 1963 to 1977 and was elected Governor of South...
Video
Charles H. Townes was born in Greenville, South Carolina, July 28, 1915, and grew up on a farm. Townes studied at Furman and Duke Universities, then headed west to Cal Tech. After getting his Ph.D...
Video
An interview with Hayne Hipp, son of Francis M. Hipp. Francis M. Hipp (1911–1995) Known as "the master of the soft sell" for his artful leadership and participatory management style, Francis M. Hipp...
