For more than 130 years, the Ambler community has valued education. Discover the remarkable story of one-room schoolhouses, mountain teachers, school consolidation, and the generations of families who helped make Ambler Elementary one of northern Pickens County’s most treasured schools.
Step back nearly 150 years and discover what life was like in Pickens County through the pages of the Pickens Sentinel published on July 11, 1878. This inaugural installment of our From the Pickens Sentinel Archives series explores dramatic front-page stories, a glimpse into education at Central High School, local politics, everyday life, historic advertisements, and the people who helped shape the Upstate we know today.
The City of Pickens kicked off Independence Day weekend in spectacular fashion on Friday, July 3, hosting the Pickens Independence Day Celebration – America 250. The once-in-a-generation event commemorated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, bringing thousands of residents and visitors downtown for an afternoon and evening filled with history,…
Discover the surprising history behind the narrow gap between two historic buildings on Main Street in Pickens, South Carolina. Learn about Folger & Thornley, early merchants, Sanborn maps, and how downtown evolved over more than 140 years.
Step back more than 230 years and discover one of Greenville County’s oldest surviving homes. From its beginnings as a frontier log cabin in 1793 to its transformation into an elegant Greek Revival home, the John H. Goodwin House tells the story of early Upstate settlement, stagecoach travel, plantation life, and historic preservation. Alongside the picturesque Goodwin Chapel and historic store, this Highway 11 landmark offers one of the region’s most fascinating glimpses into South Carolina’s past.
Step inside one of Clemson’s oldest surviving buildings. Built in 1893, Calhoun Corners has served as a church, general store, and now one of the Upstate’s most beloved restaurants. Discover the fascinating history behind this Clemson landmark and why it continues to be a favorite destination for locals, alumni, and visitors alike.
For decades, the floating diving platform at Table Rock State Park was the highlight of summer for thousands of Upstate families. Today, only the concrete platform remains, quietly floating in the lake as a reminder of one of South Carolina’s most beloved summer traditions. Here’s the story behind the famous high and low diving boards that generations will never forget.
Hidden in forests, beside winding mountain roads, and beneath historic towns, the Upstate’s natural springs have been quietly flowing for centuries. Discover the stories behind Moody Spring, Chick Springs, Williamston Mineral Spring, and other fascinating springs that shaped our communities through history, folklore, and the search for fresh mountain water.
Step back in time at Campbell’s Covered Bridge, the last remaining historic covered bridge in South Carolina. Discover the fascinating story behind this 1909 landmark, from the devastating flood that led to its construction and the bustling grist mill that once stood nearby to the local families who fought to preserve it. Learn about its unique Howe truss design, explore the peaceful surroundings of Beaverdam Creek, and plan a day trip that also includes nearby gems like Poinsett Bridge, Caesars Head, and Jones Gap State Park.
The Upstate has its own haunted side, from the Wampus Cat of Appalachian legend to the ghosts of Stumphouse Tunnel, Poinsett Bridge, Lake Jocassee, and Abbeville Opera House.