About the Greenwood, South Carolina Area
 

Location 

Greenwood is a small picturesque town of approximately 24,000 residents. It is 175 miles north of Charleston and 148 miles east of Atlanta, Georgia, situated along the western border of South Carolina and nestled among the beauty of the Piedmont plateau. Greenville/Spartanburg International Airport is a convenient sixty-mile drive. The local Greenwood Airport services private and commuter travel. Greenwood is also accessible by several railroad lines including CSX, Switch Yard and Piggy Back Yard, which all offer daily arrivals and departures.  

Brief History 

John McGee first settled Greenwood in the year 1823. Mr. McGee built a 600-acre plantation as a summer home for his new bride. Due to the proliferation of lush vegetation and the verdant countryside, he named the area Greenwood.  

In 1852 the railroad depot was christened and Greenwood was on the map. This event marked the official beginning of the small town. Galvanized by the influx of travelers brought by rail, Greenwood experienced a significant growth spurt that resulted in a flurry of new businesses. Greenwood found its industrial calling with the introduction of the first textile mill in 1889.  

With the advent of cotton mills and an increase in textile manufacturing, Greenwood authenticated its reputation as the cornerstone of industry for the surrounding regions. Today Greenwood is home to over eighty industries and continues to expand and thrive by both agricultural and industrial commerce. Identified as one of the 50 best small towns in America by author Hugh Bayless, Greenwood has gained a favorable reputation for its "warm hospitality and southern charm." 

Special Attractions 

Greenwood is a vital and diverse center of cultural activities and recreational fun. The Greenwood Community Theater resides in the historic State Theater building, an architectural gem built originally as a movie house in 1934. The Greenwood Community Theater provides family entertainment and a repertory of seven productions each season. In addition, special guest stars and benefit productions enhance the culturally active center as well as workshops for young and adult thespians alike.  

The Museum in Greenwood proudly boasts an extensive collection of natural history artifacts related to the region, cultural displays, and visual arts both from local artists and national traveling exhibits. Highlights include a replication of downtown Main Street complete with a General Store and hitching post. The Lander-Greenwood Performing Arts Series presents artists of national and international acclaim from the worlds of music, dance and theater. Greenwood is also famous for annual musical festivals. The Ninety Six Concert Series attracts a diverse group of nationally known recording artists to the historic train depot in the town square for a four night musical extravaganza.  

For recreational fun visitors and residents alike traverse the Heritage Trail. The two and a half mile paved pathway is an historic self-guided walking tour of the original railroads and textile mills that have proved so important to the economic life of the region. Markers indicate points of interest along the way culminating in a commemorative plaza that was installed and maintained by the Charleston and Western Carolina Railroad until the late 1940's. The plaza also marks the site of the railroad turntable that redirects the locomotive in the opposite direction. Lake Greenwood State Park provides access to 11,400 of acres of pristine lakeside splendor. Known for the abundant and fertile fishing grounds, Lake Greenwood attracts serious sports enthusiasts from the surrounding area. The shoreline of Greenwood State Park is commercially developed and includes a variety of restaurants, fishing piers and bait shops. Surrounding the deep beauty of Greenwood Lake are over 900 acres of deep pine and hardwood forest. The recreational sports are prolific, including swimming, picnicking, hiking and camping. Tennis is also a favorite pastime for Greenwood residents. League playing is a popular year round activity for tennis lovers of all ages and tennis clubs and professional courts abound in this health conscious and active town.  

In June, Greenwood comes alive with the beauty and aroma of thousands of flowers for the South Carolina Festival of Flowers, a six-day celebration of everything floral from garden tours and horticultural exhibits to crafts shows and public floral displays. Each year the Festival of Flowers is an event much anticipated for the residents of Greenwood. 

Education 

The residents of Greenwood have always placed a premium upon quality education for their children. The State Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools divide Greenwood into three school districts that are fully accredited. In addition, Greenwood has several private schools whose focus is upon college preparation. Greenwood is also home to Lander University and Piedmont Technical College, both reputable institutes of higher learning. Recent SAT scores for Greenwood high school students showed a significant advancement in overall performance. Greenwood School District 50 experienced an increase of 37 points over last year's scores. This placed District 50 as the third best among the other 85 districts in the state. Student enrollment has also climbed significantly in the 2003-2004 school year. District figures reflect an influx of approximately 200 students, reflecting a growing trend of expansion and vitality. 

Healthcare 

Since the region's formation in the mid-1800's, Greenwood has always been synonymous with healthful living. This reputation has been enhanced over the years by consistent attention to affordable and comprehensive medical care and state of the art hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Self Regional Healthcare is the area's predominant medical center. Established in 1951 as a non-profit, independent hospital, Self Regional is one of the most advanced medical facilities in the country. The brainchild of philanthropist James C. Self, Self Regional was created to attract the nation's top physicians and medical specialists throughout the country. The commitment to quality medical care and advanced technology is still evidenced today by the degree of noteworthy acknowledgement from the medical community at large, and the high degree of patient satisfaction. Nearby Greenwood Genetic Center focuses upon advancement in genetic research and offers educational materials and programs for resident doctors. The J. C. Self Research Institute of Human Genetics is committed to understanding the causes, treatment and prevention of birth defects and mental retardation. 

Request my Free Greenwood Relocation Package. It's packed full of useful and important information about the Greenwood, South Carolina area. Don't move here without it! Remember: I'll send it to you for free and without obligation. Just fill out the form and I will send it right out...