History & Genealogy
Museum of Western York County
Sharon, SC 29742
Pride in local history prompted the town of Sharon and a historical society to establish the museum in June 2003. In a rural setting the museum offers visitors an insight into local history in 5,000 square feet of exhibit space. Main exhibits include a 1930-1940 country kitchen, an 1860 Yorkville bedroom, an 1890s eclectic dining room and the War Room where veterans of Western York County are honored for their service. Open Saturdays, 10 am–3 pm and other times by appointment. Admission: Adults $5.00, Students $3.00, 12 and under free. Groups welcome. Select genealogical research documents from primarily Western York County. No paid researchers.
Museum of York County
Rock Hill, SC 29732
This museum highlights the natural history of the Carolina Piedmont and its connections to the rest of the world with award-winning exhibitions and nature-based programs. The Naturalist Center offers a close-up view of over 2,000 specimens., The Settlemyre Planetarium features state-of-the-art digitally projected shows. Playful learning spaces await the youngest visitors, while the Vernon Grant Gallery features changing exhibitions. The Museum Store has a selection of local goods and nature-themed gifts. Outside is a picnic facility and nature trail. Tue–Sat: 10 am–5 pm; Sun: 1–5pm. Admission charged. Group rates available.
Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
The Battle of Musgrove Mill was fought on this site near the Enoree River on August 19, 1780. A detachment of American militia engaged and defeated a superior British force composed almost entirely of loyalist troops. Occurring at a time when American prospects for winning the Revolution seemed to grow dimmer by the day, the success at Musgrove Mill bolstered patriot morale in the Carolina backcountry. The park consists of nearly 360 acres. Hours (Main Gate): Open year round, 9 am–6 pm daily; (Horseshoe Falls Road Area): sunrise to sundown, daily. (Visitor Center): Fri-Sun, 10 am--5 pm. Other days vary depending on season and available staff. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more information, call or send the park an e-mail. Free park admission.
Nanny’s Mountain Historic Site
York, SC 29745
This monadnock is a little-known gem full of history dating back to before the American Revolution. The iron mines located here helped fuel the Carolina Piedmont's first major industry, ironworks, which used hundreds of slaves and skilled workers and produced everything from kettles to cannons. Many historians also believe this was a stop for runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. The highest point in the county, it rises to 981 feet above sea level, and offers unique views of Lake Wylie's shoreline, Charlotte's skyscrapers and neighboring peaks of Kings Mountain, Crowders Mountain and Henry's Knob. Open to the public. Amenities include a gravel parking area at the base, two walking trails, picnic tables, and educational facilities.
Native American Studies Center
Lancaster, SC 29720
The county of Lancaster, South Carolina, sits within the lands once held by the Catawba Indian Nation. The current Catawba Reservation lies about 15 miles from the campus of USC Lancaster. With strong geographical and historical ties to the Catawba, USC Lancaster has begun to develop curricular and public programs focused on Native American art and culture, with a special emphasis on the Catawba and other Native communities in South Carolina. The gardens are a site on the SC Ag + Art Tour. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, and Mondays by appointment. Admission is free.
Old Chesterfield County Courthouse
Chesterfield, SC 29709
The Courthouse (c. 1884) with its cupola and mansard roof replaced a Robert Mills Courthouse burned by Sherman. The First Secession meeting in the South was held at this location. Now home to the Chesterfield Visitors Center, it houses the genealogy society, historical society, art gallery, gift shop, museum and Chamber of Commerce office. Mon–Fri: 10 am–4 pm.
Old Lancaster County Jail
Designed by Robert Mills who is best known as the designer of the Washington Monument, this facility was completed in 1823. The downstairs cells were meant to hold debtors, a practice that soon waned. In 1965 soldiers under command of General Sherman tried unsuccessfully to destroy the jail. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is the only known example of Mills' use of medieval design.
Old St. David’s Episcopal Church
Cheraw, SC 29520
Old St. David's (c.1770) served as hospital and quarters for both sides during the American Revolution and the Civil War. This last colonial Anglican Church built in South Carolina has veterans from almost every war since the Revolution buried in its cemetery, and the oldest Confederate Monument (c.1867) in existence. The church is used frequently for weddings and may be reserved for a small fee. To visit the interior, a key may be obtained at the Chamber of Commerce.
Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site
Offers visitors insight into the upcountry cotton plantation of South Carolina’s “Secession Governor,” William Henry Gist. Rose Hill served as Gist’s primary residence during his tenure as governor and during the tumultuous months of pending Civil War. The house, its furnishings, surrounding gardens and outbuildings document the lifestyle and changes experienced by the Gist family and the enslaved African Americans who occupied the plantation from the antebellum era through Reconstruction. Includes a picnic shelter and hiking trail to the Tyger River. Park hours: 9 am–6 pm daily (no admission fee). Mansion tours: Mar–Oct, daily at 11 am, 1 & 3 pm; Nov–Feb, Thurs–Mon at 11 am, 1 & 3 pm. Fee: $5 adult, $4 students, & $3 SC Seniors. No mansion tours on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. Shelter can be reserved for a fee.
Rose Hotel (c. 1852)
York, SC 29745
At the end of the War, Secretary Breckenridge, fleeing the fall of Richmond, spent the night in York and made a speech to the populace from its second story gallery, telling the people to "keep the faith". In later months the Rose Hotel housed six companies of the U.S. 7th Cavalry and two companies of infantry, "Occupation troops" during the Reconstruction Period. The notorious Captain Merrill and his troops continued to be stationed here until Wade Hampton was elected Governor, restoring order. President Hayes relieved them in 1877. The building was completely renovated and turned into apartments and offices in 2000.
Sanders Peach Farm & Roadside Market
The farm is home to Dorinda "Dori" Sanders, the best-selling author and peach farmer from Filbert. In 1990 her book, Clover, was published for which she received the Lillian Smith Award. Later it was made into a TV movie. Dori's latest novel is entitled Her Own Place. Summer months find her doing what she really loves: farming. She once said, "Farming is who I am. If someone asks me what I do, I say, I'm a farmer. And only later do I say, Oh, and I also do some writing". Often during the growing and harvesting seasons, a lucky traveler can find Dori at the roadside market, autographing books, telling stories and entertaining customers as only she can. A site on the SC Ag + Art Tour. Seasonal during daylight hours, or until the produce runs out.
Union Carnegie Library
Union, SC 29379
Built in 1905 the Carnegie Library was the first library funded in the South Carolina with a grant from the Andrew Carnegie foundation. The Beaux Arts structure was designed by architects Wheeler and Runge who were responsible for the construction of numerous public buildings throughout the Carolinas and Georgia early in the twentieth century. The building features a copper dome, a defining feature of Wheeler and Runge design, interior and exterior columns, a stained glass ceiling and windows, and ornate architectural details. Named Library Journal's Best Small Library of the Year (2009) for service to the community and use of technology to improve services. Also a genealogical research documents covering Union County and the surrounding area. Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 9 am-7 pm; Wednesday and Friday: 9 am-6 pm; Saturday: 9 am-3 pm. No paid researchers.
Union Community Hospital Building
Union, SC 29379
After receiving his degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN, Dr. Lawrence W. Long opened a medical office in Union. When several of his critically ill African-American patients were not allowed admittance to white hospitals, Dr. Long realized the need for a hospital that would admit his patients. Subsequently, in November of 1932, he founded the Union County Hospital in a rented two-story frame building in Downtown Union. It was the first in the state to be headed by a black physician. Preventive medical services and mass immunizations were also provided at the Union Community Hospital. Its immunization program was so successful that other health care facilities throughout the county adopted its procedures. Around 1934, Dr. Long began to sponsor annual medical clinics in Union which attracted doctors of all races from many southern states. These clinics provided many African-American doctors with the opportunity to upgrade their skills in the face of segregation. Among the many guest physicians who attended the conferences was Charles Drew, M.D., the inventor of blood plasma. Dr. Long was named "Doctor of the Year" in 1957 by the National Medical Association. Not only was Dr. Long an innovator in the medical profession, he also advocated integration in the community in the 1930s. This idea was as unpopular with many of his African-American colleagues as it was with most white southerners. Dr. Long died in 1985. Though no longer used as a hospital, the building still stands. Efforts are under way to turn it into the L. W. Long Resource Center in honor of Dr. Long and his legacy. Contact: Modest Keenan.
Union County Museum
Union, SC 29379
Housed in a beautifully restored 1923 building, the Union County Museum contains a broad collection of the county's history. Amassed over a period of more than one hundred years, artifacts include furniture, farm and textile equipment, pictures, portraits, personal items, several hundred photographs, pottery, glass, textiles, books and extensive archival materials. Every period of the county's history is represented. Included in the Military Exhibit are two of the three Civil War battle flags, which survived the war as the well as the table upon which the Ordinance of Secession was drawn up and signed; Pee Ridge Volunteers and Johnson Rifles which were at Appomattox; several uniforms including those belonging to General Wm. Wallace, General "States Rights" Gist and a veterans uniform; swords, including one made in 1851 at the Palmetto Armory in Columbia; a pistol; books of the period as well as about the period; miscellaneous pictures, and artifacts belonging to Union blockade runners. Gift Shop on premises where books, maps and other items of historical interest are available. An extensive land grant map book can be purchased as well as artwork by local artisans. Many of these items are one-of-a kind and are not available at any other location. Also genealogical research documents covering Union County primarily, with numerous resources from other counties in SC and other states. Limited African-American birth records from Union Community Hospital mid to late 20th century. Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10 am-4 pm, 1st and 3rd Saturdays: 1-4 pm. No paid researchers, but staff will perform limited research for a small fee.
Winnsboro and Fairfield County
Winnsboro, SC 29180
Winnsboro, named after the prominent Patriot leader Richard Winn was settled in 1775. Its self-guided walking tour features a view of the Cornwallis House, the winter headquarters for the British general. Lord Cornwallis gave Fairfield County (where Winnsboro is located) its name in 1780. While he and his troops occupied the town, he looked over the countryside and remarked, "What fair fields". Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Chamber at Town Clock. Walking Tours, Brochures available on weekends from the downtown merchants. The Town Clock is on the right in the center of downtown. Sherman's troops spent three days pillaging and burning across the county in February 1865 after burning Columbia. General William's troops came into the downtown area and protected much of the historic district by posting guards in residences. Still several important sites were lost to the torches of stragglers. Fairfield County is located north of Columbia, the capital city of SC. The North-South approaches are US Hwy 321, 21, 215 and I-77. The East-West approach is SC Highway 34.
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