History of Greenville County, South Carolina

This history of Greenville County, in upper South Carolina, tells the story of the area from the days of the Indians to the early 20th century, and, in a special biographical section, contains sketches of over 150 prominent citizens and families. Early chapters treat the Cherokee Indians, traders and hunters, the first permanent settlers, the establishment of Fort Prince George, the first Cherokee War, pre-Revolutionary War settlers, the beginning of the Revolution, the Indian massacre of 1776, the defeat of the Cherokees, and struggles against the British, Tories, and outlaw bands. The history of the county itself begins with its formation after the Revolution and encompasses locations and owners of land grants, growth of the town of Pleasantburg as a summer resort, changing of the name of Greenville, early political life, growth and development from 1830 to 1860, development of the county from staunch Unionism to support of secession, the Civil War, and postwar history. Other topics covered are agriculture, population, buildings, churches, the textile industry, transportation, education, cities and towns, and county government.