Anderson’s Mill was once a water-powered grist mill and operated commercially until the 1960s. During its long history, it has been known as Nicholl’s Fort, Nichol’s Mill, and Tanner’s Mill. When James “Tyger Jim” Anderson acquired the mill in 1831, it gained its current appellation, Anderson’s Mill.

For more information about restoration efforts for this mill, visit the Tyger River Foundation.

Many thanks to Larry Dent of Moore for this picture taken in April 2009.

In the 1940s, as many as 14 passenger and freight trains passed through Union Station each day, helping Spartanburg earn its “Hub City” nickname. Unfortunately, parts of the depot have been demolished or destroyed over the years. Local volunteers led the charge to see the station restored in 1996, and now the old baggage room is home to both the Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Hub City Railroad Musuem.

SCIWAY visited the museum in 2010 and thoroughly enjoyed our tour! Even though trains no longer stop here, the museum gives a great glimpse into South Carolina’s railroad history and its importance to the development of Spartanburg and our entire state.

SCIWAY thanks Ann Helms of Spartanburg for sharing this picture she took in 2010.

Glendale and its mill were not always known as Glendale. The story begins with Dr. James Bivings, who arrived in the Spartanburg area in the 1830s, bringing with him an entire crew of laborers. He started a cotton manufacturing company and built the Bivingsville Mill and surrounding town of Bivingsville.

The mill was profitable under Bivings’ leadership until the late 1840s, when it struggled due to an economic downfall. Bivings and his business partners had a dispute around this time, and he decided to give up his stake in the mill and leave the area in 1854.

After Dr. Bivings left, the mill fell into bankruptcy and was auctioned off in 1856 to a group of businessmen, one being Dexter Converse. Converse later founded D.E. Converse Company, bought out his business partners, and took over mill operations. Under Converse’s strong leadership the mill was successful, and he renamed the town and mill to Glendale in 1878 at his wife’s suggestion.

Converse not only expanded the operations at Glendale Mill, he also founded additional mills and was a stockholder of many others in South Carolina. However, his greatest contribution to our state may be the establishment of Converse College in Spartanburg. He founded the school in 1890 so that his daughter could continue her education. Dexter Converse died in 1899, but Converse College continues to be a prestigious private women’s college.

Like many manufacturing businesses in the United States, Glendale Mill struggled financially during the turn of the century and again during the Great Depression. World Wars I and II provided temporary production booms, but the textile industry in South Carolina diminished drastically.  The most notable exception, of course, is Milliken & Company, also headquartered near Spartanburg.  Milliken & Company remains a leader in fabrics and is considered to be among the most ethical companies in America.

Glendale Mill changed ownership several more times but ultimately closed its doors in 1961. The mill burned down in 2004, and all that remains are the ruins pictured above.

Even though the mill burned, Glendale is still a thriving community. To get a detailed history of the town, complete with plenty of great photos, please visit GlendaleSC.com. It is an excellent resource!

The company built four textile mills along the Pacolet River, beginning in 1882. The completion of the office came later, in 1908. At the turn of the century, Pacolet Mills was the fifth largest textile manufacturer in South Carolina, and it was among the top 10 in the Southeast.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 28, 2004. Among its most notable features are the Italianate terracotta roof and concrete pergola pictured above.

SCIWAY thanks Ann Helms of Spartanburg for submitting this photo she took in 2009.

Originally known as “Public Square” this business district dates all the way back to 1787. It was renamed Morgan Square in 1887 when Congress gave money to the city to commemorate the Battle of Cowpens – which Spartanburg did by erecting the Daniel Morgan statue.

Much of this area is listed in the National Historic Register since many of the buildings were built before 1925. Spartanburg went through a period of prosperity from 1880-1920 thanks to a booming textile and railroad business, and many of the buildings reflect the designs of that era. Even though many of the buildings have undergone extensive renovations, Morgan Square still maintains its historic integrity and character.

The tavern was built by Anthony Foster, Jr. and is the oldest brick home in Spartanburg County. Construction began in 1801 and was not completed until 1808. The bricks were painstakingly hand-made from local clay that was placed in wooden molds, sun-dried, and then baked in kilns.

Foster’s Tavern was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 1970.

SCIWAY thanks Ann Helms for submitting this photo.

This memorial, located in downtown Lyman, pays tribute to all five branches of the US military. The inscription at the base reads:

This memorial is dedicated to the men and women of this area who have served in the armed forces of the United States and to those who gave their life in performance of the service. Erected by the people of District 5 School Area Spartanburg County and dedicated May 26, 1991.

SCIWAY would like to thank Ann Helms of Spartanburg for submitting this photo.

Even though the water no longer flows, Glenn Springs is still a growing community that has successfully preserved its rich history.

Glenn Springs Presbyterian Church is also a part of Glenn Springs Academy, which was formerly known as the Spartanburg Boys’ Home. The church pictured here was built in 1910 as a replacement for an old wooden church, and the Academy is working to restore this building to use as a chapel. The church is listed in the National Historic Register.

Special thanks to Ann Helms of Spartanburg for submitting this picture she took in 2009.

The restaurant is the largest single seller of iced tea in the nation using 3,000lbs of sugar per week, for a total of 62,500 gallons each year!

The Beacon Restaurant opens at 6:30 a.m. and is closed on Sundays.

Many thanks to Jenny Welch of James Island who took this picture in October 2010.