Buffalo Mill – Union County, South Carolina

South Carolina | SC Picture Project | Union County Photos | Buffalo Mill

The Buffalo Mill was just one of many textile mills built in South Carolina during the early to mid-1900s. Construction on the mill began in 1900, and the office (pictured here) was built in 1902. This building is part of the Buffalo Mill Historic District in the city of Buffalo, located in Union County.

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

Other buildings in the historic mill district include a power house, an ice factory, a company store, and a bank and drug store. All of the buildings are listed in the National Historic Register.

The engineering firm belonging to W.B. Smith Whaley designed the buildings and many other textile plants across the state. While the mill is slowly being demolished, the office has been restored. The historic mill district in Buffalo is probably the best remaining example of a South Carolina mill town.

SCIWAY thanks Ann Helms of Spartanburg who provided this picture and historical information.

4 Comments about Buffalo Mill

• Mike Marino

says:
August 28th, 2011 at 11:16 am

I have a small token that says Union Buffalo Mills “Good for Merchandise Only” with a U punched through it. How old would it be? Thanks!

• SCIWAY

says:
August 29th, 2011 at 9:31 am

Hi Mike! What you have is referred to as company scrip and is probably from the early to mid 1900s.

• Gary Collins

says:
October 14th, 2011 at 6:17 am

My grandfather, Arthur Russell Collins, worked as a bookkeeper/accountant at the Union-Buffalo Mills in the 1930′s – 1950′s. Do you have any additional information or stories with regards to the mill?

• SCIWAY

says:
October 14th, 2011 at 9:06 am

Hi Gary! Thanks for sharing the information about your grandfather. The following link has some excellent information photos:

http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/union/S10817744024/index.htm

Make sure you read the nomination form (PDF) as they usually contain a lot of information not shown on the page. As far as stories, hopefully some of our readers can help out!

Hope this helps!