History of Anderson County, South Carolina

Anderson County, located in the northwestern part of South Carolina, has a rich history shaped by early settlement, agricultural growth, and its pivotal role during the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution. The county was officially established in 1826 and was named after Joseph Anderson, a prominent businessman and U.S. senator. Throughout its history, Anderson County has been an agricultural hub, with cotton and textiles driving its economy. Today, the county continues to grow as a diverse, industrial region while preserving its historical roots through several important landmarks and cultural sites.

Origins and Early History

Native American Presence and Early Exploration

Before European settlers arrived, the land that is now Anderson County was inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Catawba. The Cherokee people occupied the western part of South Carolina, and their presence is still felt today in the state’s Cherokee County and nearby areas. These tribes utilized the region’s rich natural resources, including the Saluda River, Seneca River, and Lake Hartwell, for fishing, hunting, and farming.

The first European explorers in the area arrived in the early 18th century, primarily from Great Britain. Settlers began moving into the region by the mid-1700s, drawn by the fertile lands and abundant natural resources. Anderson County became a part of the colonial South Carolina during this period, and settlers quickly established small farming communities along the rivers and streams.

Early Settlement and Formation of Anderson County

The history of Anderson County dates back to the 18th century, though the county itself was officially established on December 23, 1826. Before this, the area was part of Abbeville District and Pendleton District, regions that were populated by settlers who were largely involved in agriculture. Anderson County was formed to accommodate the growing population of the area, as well as to take advantage of its strategic location along the Savannah River.

The county was named in honor of Joseph Anderson, a prominent South Carolina politician and businessman who was a significant figure in the state’s early history. Anderson, who was the owner of a gristmill and later a railroad line, made significant contributions to the region’s development.

In the early 1800s, the county’s economy was primarily based on agriculture, with cotton being the most important crop. This period also saw the rise of plantations that relied heavily on slave labor. By the mid-1800s, Anderson County had become one of South Carolina’s most prosperous agricultural regions.

The Civil War and Reconstruction

The Civil War (1861–1865) had a profound impact on Anderson County. As a part of the Confederacy, the county saw significant military action during the war. The county’s economy, which relied on agriculture and plantation slavery, was disrupted, and many local residents fought for the Confederate Army. The county was home to several Confederate soldiers, and the war’s aftermath left the region economically devastated.

Following the war, Anderson County, like much of the South, experienced the turmoil of Reconstruction. With the abolition of slavery, the county’s agricultural economy faced challenges. Former enslaved people became sharecroppers or tenant farmers, and the county gradually shifted toward an industrial economy. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the county began to recover, with textile mills and manufacturing providing new opportunities for growth.

Key Historical Events

The Rise of the Textile Industry

One of the most transformative periods in Anderson County’s history came with the rise of the textile industry in the late 19th century. By the 1880s, textile mills began to spring up across the county, taking advantage of the region’s proximity to rivers and the growing demand for cotton products. This industrial shift was significant, as the county had previously relied on agriculture.

Anderson County became home to several textile mills, including the Anderson Cotton Mill, which played a crucial role in shaping the local economy and workforce. The mill produced cotton fabric, which was in high demand throughout the United States. As more mills were established in the area, Anderson became an important hub for the textile industry, attracting workers from all over the South.

The growth of the textile industry had significant social, economic, and cultural implications. The workforce in the mills was made up of both native-born and immigrant workers, many of whom were women and children. This shift to industrial work changed the social fabric of the county, as families increasingly moved from rural farms to work in the mills.

Civil Rights and Social Change

The 20th century brought significant change to Anderson County, particularly in terms of civil rights. Like much of the South, the county experienced the effects of segregation and Jim Crow laws. African Americans in Anderson County, like those in other parts of the South, faced discrimination in schools, public accommodations, and employment.

However, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s brought about significant changes. Anderson County was the site of several peaceful protests and civil rights campaigns, led by local activists and organizations. In particular, Anderson’s African American community played a significant role in the push for equality and justice, contributing to the eventual dismantling of segregation and the establishment of voting rights for all citizens.

Modern Day Growth and Development

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Anderson County saw significant growth and development in various sectors. Manufacturing, healthcare, and retail industries began to diversify the economy beyond textiles. In particular, the county became a center for the automotive industry, with major companies setting up production plants in the area. The presence of Interstate 85 and proximity to the Georgia state line contributed to Anderson’s role as a key logistical and industrial hub in the Southeast United States.

Today, Anderson County continues to grow as a vibrant, diverse community. The county’s economy is now supported by a mix of industry, agriculture, and tourism, while the county’s historical sites and cultural landmarks preserve its rich heritage.

Historical Sites

Anderson County Museum

Overview

The Anderson County Museum is one of the region’s premier historical attractions, offering exhibits that cover the county’s long and varied history. The museum features a range of artifacts related to the county’s agricultural past, including cotton farming, textile production, and Civil War history. Exhibits also focus on local industries, the lives of prominent historical figures, and the Civil Rights Movement in Anderson.

Location

The museum is located at 202 E Greenville St, Anderson, SC.

Ticket Price

The museum offers free admission for general visitors, though donations are appreciated to help support its operations.

Parking Information

Free parking is available on-site, with additional spaces in nearby public lots.

Historic Downtown Anderson

Overview

The Historic Downtown Anderson area is home to several preserved buildings from the early 20th century, showcasing early 1900s Southern architecture. Visitors can stroll through the historic district, which includes restored masonry buildings, old theaters, and businesses that tell the story of the city’s growth from an agricultural town to an industrial hub. The area also features shops, restaurants, and local attractions that highlight Anderson’s heritage.

Location

Downtown Anderson, centered around North Main Street, Anderson, SC.

Ticket Price

There is no fee to explore the downtown area.

Parking Information

Public parking is available throughout downtown, with parking lots located near Main Street.

Lake Hartwell and the Hartwell Dam

Overview

Lake Hartwell, located on the border between South Carolina and Georgia, is an important geographical and historical landmark for Anderson County. The lake was created by the Hartwell Dam on the Savannah River, which was completed in 1963. The lake not only serves as a vital water source but also plays a major role in recreational activities like boating, fishing, and camping. The construction of the dam significantly impacted the local landscape and economy, bringing new opportunities for tourism and infrastructure development.

Location

Lake Hartwell is located just north of Anderson, stretching into Georgia.

Ticket Price

Lake access is free, though some areas, such as campgrounds or recreational sites, may charge for amenities.

Parking Information

Ample parking is available at public boat ramps and park areas surrounding the lake.

County Facts

Geography and Climate

Anderson County is located in the Piedmont region of South Carolina, characterized by rolling hills, fertile plains, and proximity to Lake Hartwell. The county is bordered by several rivers, including the Savannah River, which forms its northern boundary. The region is rich in natural resources, with a temperate climate ideal for agriculture and industry. Anderson experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild, cool winters. Average summer temperatures exceed 90°F, while winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing.

Key County Facts

• Year Founded: 1826
• County Seat: Anderson
• Population: Approximately 200,000
• Population Density: 227.4 people per square mile
• Largest Cities: Anderson, Belton, Williamston
• Major Highways: Interstate 85, U.S. Highway 76, U.S. Highway 123
• Adjacent Counties:
  • To the north: Oconee County
  • To the south: Abbeville County
  • To the east: Greenville County
  • To the west: Hart County (Georgia)