History and Culture - Historic Attractions

McBee Chapel

The chapel designed by Vardry McBee’s millwright, John Adams, is one of the few remaining octagonal churches in America and dates back to 1841. 1 mile south of SC Hwy. 291 on US 25, turn east on Fork Shoals Rd. in the town of Conestee.

Campbell’s Covered Bridge

The bridge was built in 1909 and is the only remaining covered bridge in South Carolina. From US Hwy. 25 north of Travelers Rest, take State Rd. 414 through Tigerville. Turn right on Pleasant Hill Road, right on Campbell’s Bridge Road and travel approximately 1/4 mile to bridge.

Poinsett Bridge

The oldest bridge in SC, completed in 1820, is part of the original state road connecting Greenville to Asheville. It is one of the most significant historic structures in South Carolina. The bridge has been granted Heritage Trust Preserve status. From US Hwy. 25 N., 2 miles northwest of SC Hwy. 11, turn onto Old US Hwy. 25. Travel 3.2 miles and turn right onto Callahan Mountain Rd. Travel 2.2 miles and bridge is on left.

Suber’s Mill

2002 Suber Mill Rd.
Greer, SC 29650
(864) 877-5616
The mill, built circa 1908, still grinds corn using water power. Open M-F 8am-5pm. Grinds Tu and F 8:30-11:30am; Sa 8am-noon. No grinds Saturdays.

Symmes Chapel “Pretty Place”

(864) 836-3291
100 Solomon Jones Rd.
Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
www.campgreenville.org
The outdoor chapel at the YMCA Camp Greenville is called “Pretty Place” as a result of the breathtaking view from Standing Stone Mountain. The chapel is located 5 miles off US Hwy. 276 near Caesars Head State Park. More than 100 couples are married each year at this chapel. The chapel is closed to the public during weddings and camp functions.

Newry Historic Area

Newry, SC 29665
The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an excellent example of a 1890s self-contained mill community. The area is located off Hwy. 130 at Lake Keowee.

Oconee Heritage Center

123 Brown Square Drive
Walhalla, SC 29691
(864) 638-2224
www.oconeeheritagecenter.org
The center provides visitors the opportunity to discover the history of Oconee as it relates to the inhabitants, formation and its development. Tu, Th, F 12-5pm, Sa 10am-3pm.

Old Pickens Presbyterian Church

Hwy. 183 at Keowee River
The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church/meeting house is the only original building still standing on the site where the Town of Pickens Courthouse was established in 1828. Veterans of both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War are buried in the church’s cemetery. Gates open daily, year-round 8:30am-6pm.

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

301 West Main St.
Walhalla, SC 29691
(864) 638-6363
www.stjohnswalhalla.org
The church was organized in 1853 by German immigrants who founded the town of Walhalla in 1850 and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. The original building, begun in 1859, still stands today. Call for an appointment to tour the church.

Seneca Historic District

(864) 882-4811
The entire historic district of residential homes is listed on the National Register of Historic Places including the Lunney Museum which is open to the public by appointment. Self-guided tour maps are available.

Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls

SC Hwy. 28, Walhalla, SC 29691
(864) 638-4343
www.walhallachamber.com
The tunnel was a project that was planned in the 1850s to connect SC to the Midwest with a direct rail line. Unfortunately, work on the project was abandoned during the War Between the States due to the lack of funds. The tunnel would have been 5863-feet long, but only 1600 feet of was completed. The park area features the beautiful Issaqueena Falls, picnic areas and a hiking trail. Open daily 10am-5pm. Dogs should be on leashes. Closed on Christmas day. The tunnel is located 6.9 miles north of Walhalla on SC Hwy. 28.

Tamassee DAR School

1925 Bumgardner Drive
Tamassee, SC 29686
(864) 944-1390 TamasseeKids@Juno.com
www.tdarschool.org
The school, founded in 1919 by the South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution, was organized to provide a place to learn and a chance to develop the ideals of patriotism, citizenship and spiritual growth for children living in the isolation of Northwestern SC. Currently the school serves as a children’s home and family service organization primarily serving children in crisis from South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina. Open daily 8am-5pm. Appointments preferred.

Walhalla State Fish Hatchery

198 Fish Hatchery Road
Mountain Rest, SC 29664
(864) 638-2866
The hatchery raises almost one million trout each year, including rainbow, brown and brook. The area surrounding the hatchery is a beautiful spot for picnicking and other recreational activities. The hatchery is located 21 miles north of Walhalla in Sumter National Forest. Open daily 8am-4pm. Guided tours are available by appointment.

Carmel Church

517 Flat Rock Rd.
Liberty, SC 29657
(864) 843-6827
The congregation was originally formed in the mid 1700s. The Presbyterian Church is believed to be the oldest church in South Carolina’s Upcountry. An unusual feature was the balcony where the slaves were permitted to attend church. The church is located southeast of Easley at the corner of Hwy. 135 and Carmel Church Road, three miles east of Liberty. 

Collins Ole Towne

228 Lawton Road
Central, SC 29630
(864) 639-2618
Email: CRoyPatCollins@aol.com
The town is a wonderful example of a re-created 1930s village. The general store is well stocked with memorabilia of early life in a small community as well as items from the town of Central. The depression era barbershop features a reconstructed motorized barber pole, coat rack and several other items. The schoolhouse features a bell tower, just tug the rope and you get the feeling it’s time for school. In the fall visitors can enjoy demonstrations in the art of making molasses. The Collins Hill Inn is available for civic/family occasions. Admission. Open by appointment.

Hagood Mill

138 Hagood Mill Rd.
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 898-2936
www.co.pickens.sc.us/culturalcommission/
www.scmills.com/hagood
The restored 1845 grist mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only mill in SC grinding with original wheel components. The site includes a reproduced Cherokee home site, blacksmith shop, 1791 Murphree cabin, 1830s Hagood Cabin and more. The site is open for tours Wednesday through Saturday from 10am-4pm. The mill is open during daylight hours to picnic and hike and the third Saturday every month for folklife festivals with demonstrations, living history and musical entertainment. Group tours are offered by appointment.

McKinney Chapel

(864) 868-2555
The chapel was constructed in 1891 and has a beautiful pulpit and carvings. Services were discontinued in the 1930s, but the church is still used for weddings and funerals. A special Christmas program is held here each year. The chapel is located in Eastatoee Valley in Pickens County. The chapel is located on Cleo Chapman Hwy. off of SC Hwy. 11. Check in at the gated entrance.

Old Stone Church

101 Stone Circle
Clemson, SC 29631
(864) 654-2061
The church was built by Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens in 1797. The Presbyterian Church no longer offers services but has a cemetery with many interesting tombstones, including those of Pickens and his family. Open by appointment and available for weddings. The church is located at Hwy. 76 and Old Stone Church Road.

Downtown Spartanburg

(864) 596-3501
For an interesting and convenient look into Spartanburg’s past, take the downtown walking tour. Through this trek along the streets of downtown, you’ll see numerous historic buildings and sites within the central city area. A booklet, sold at the local history museum describing the walk, gives details about each site as well as history about Spartanburg.

Hampton Heights Historic District

The district was originally settled at the turn of the century by prominent Spartanburg citizens. The district’s earliest residences are on West Hampton Avenue, side streets and include numerous bungalows.

Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

398 State Park Rd.
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 938-0100
www.southcarolinaparks.com
Musgrove Mill State Historic Site captures a moment that shows that the American Revolution was a true “civil war.” The encounter on August 19, 1780, may have included only one British-born soldier among hundreds of combatants, American Patriots and Tories, from across the Carolinas Upcountry. The Patriot victory marked one of the few times that Patriot militia bested a larger force of provincial regulars and Tory militia. It also exemplified the hit-and-run tactics that marked the struggle in the Upcountry. The state park and its interpretive center are now a hub for the Cradle of Democracy, a project that seeks to further the understanding of South Carolina’s pivotal role in the creation of the nation. Park hours are 9am–6pm, the park’s visitor center is open from M-F 10am-4pm; Sa 10am-5pm; Su 1pm-5pm. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Nazareth Presbyterian Church

680 Nazareth Church Rd.
Moore, SC 29369
(864) 576-8034
The church is the oldest congregation in the county and was established in 1765. Evidence remains at the church of a Revolutionary War battle fought nearby. Settlers took refuge in the church during the battle.

Pendleton Historic District

PO Box 565
Pendleton, SC 29670
(864) 646-3782; 1/800-862-1795
www.pendleton-district.org
The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes 6,316 acres. The district features more than 40 points of historic interest, many of them private homes. Pendleton’s unique antique, art and gift shops, as well as restaurants, bed and breakfast inns and Southern hospitality make this historic district one of the most visited places in America.

Cowpens Depot and Museum

120 Palmetto St., Cowpens, SC 29330
(864) 463-3201
The museum is housed in a 100-year old freight depot that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is a showplace for relics belonging to the crew of the USS Cowpens, a World War II aircraft carrier CVL25 and the USS Cowpens Aegis Guided Missile CG 63. The ships were named after the Battle of Cowpens, a pivotal battle of the American Revolution that took place at the “Cow Pens.” The museum is open by appointment.