SC Picture Project » Spartanburg

Anderson’s Mill

SCIWAY — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 15:27:36 +0000

The historic Anderson’s Mill is believed to have been built in the late 18th century and is listed in the National Historic Register. The mill is located along the North Tyger River on Anderson Mill Road near downtown Spartanburg.

This image is copyrighted. You may not use it without written consent.

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.

Mountain Shoals Plantation

SCIWAY — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:39:57 +0000

Spartanburg Union Station

SCIWAY — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:50:39 +0000

The building pictured below is all that remains of the once elaborate Union Station in Spartanburg. The station was built in 1904; over the years it served Southern Railway, Clinchfield Railroad, and the Charleston & Western Carolina Railway.

This image is copyrighted. You may not use it without written consent.

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.

Morgan Square

SCIWAY — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:13:38 +0000

Morgan Square is the center of Spartanburg‘s downtown business area, and is located at the intersection of Main and Magnolia Streets. The square was named after General Daniel Morgan who was the hero of the Battle of Cowpens. You can see the statue of General Morgan in the background – he is standing proudly next to the historic Spartanburg town clock.

Larry Dent of Spartanburg (2008)

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.

Larry Dent of Spartanburg (2012)

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.

Foster’s Tavern

SCIWAY — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:17:00 +0000

Located in Spartanburg, Foster’s Tavern is one of the most well-known landmarks in South Carolina‘s upcountry. This historic tavern sits at the intersection of the old Pickneyville and Georgia roads, two well-known stagecoach routes, and was frequented by many prominent travelers including John C. Calhoun and Bishop Francis Asbury.

This image is copyrighted. You may not use it without written consent.

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.

Beacon Drive-In

SCIWAY — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:54:34 +0000

The Beacon Drive-In Restaurant ranks as the second largest drive-in restaurant in the nation, making it a regional landmark and local tradition. It was opened 60 years ago by Spartanburg icon John White. He used his own recipes, and ran the restaurant with his sons for over 50 years. In 1998, White retired and the business is now owned and operated by another local family, who continue the Beacon tradition of great food and customer service.

This image is copyrighted. You may not use it without written consent.

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.

Spartanburg Town Clock

SCIWAY — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:54:34 +0000

The Spartanburg town clock, sometimes called the ‘Heartbeat of Spartanburg’, is located in Morgan Square. It was originally constructed in the late 1870s, and was part of the old Opera House that once stood in the square.

Next to the clock tower is the statue of General Daniel Morgan, the hero of the Battle of Cowpens. The statue of Morgan was first erected in 1881, and has moved around the square several times since. The General now stands very close to his original location.

SCIWAY thanks photographer Ann Helms for providing this great information!