Ridge Spring – Saluda County, South Carolina

The naturally raised ridge of the land in Saluda County is known as “The Ridge,” and like many areas in South Carolina, was originally inhabited by Native Americans before it was settled in the 1700s. In 1869, a railroad was built through the area accompanied by a water tower. Many settlers moved to be near the train stop and fresh spring water thus forming the town of Ridge Spring. Town folklore holds that the Native Americans chipped out the rocky basin into which the refreshing spring water flows.

Early settlers found that peaches grew especially well in Ridge Spring’s fertile soil. Over the years farmers have successfully grown corn, asparagus, soybeans, and cotton in this rural farming area of Saluda County.

Ridge Spring was incorporated on December 23, 1882 and the town had a large centennial celebration during the fall of 1982. This celebration has now become tradition, and each October Ridge Spring holds a Harvest Festival.

SCIWAY thanks Larry Gleason of Aiken for submitting these pictures.