Introduction to Anderson, South Carolina
Anderson is situated on the Piedmont Plateau near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Anderson County. The municipality is known as the "Electric City." The region is a major automotive supply center and is prominent in the plastics industry. The city is one of the primary shopping locations in the Upstate area.
History
Anderson was named in tribute to Robert Anderson, a Revolutionary War hero. The Cherokee Indians were the original inhabitants. Andrew Pickens negotiated a treaty with the Cherokee which allowed South Carolina to acquire the land. The area was known as Anderson Courthouse due to the community developing near the county courthouse.
The vast majority of the original settlers arrived from Virginia and Pennsylvania and most of them were farmers. Corn was the primary crop and raising hogs was common. Years later, cotton became a primary crop and by the late 1800s a large number of textile mills were established. Anderson was one of the first cities in the country that was provided a continuous supply of electric power. One of the first cotton gins in the entire world to be powered by electricity was located in Anderson.
Culture and Activities
The beautiful Lake Hartwell provides opportunities for boating and fishing. Sadlers Creek State Recreation Area is popular for fishing, boating and camping. Nearby Clemson University offers college athletic events. The sports complex located near the Anderson Civic Center contains numerous athletic fields and nature trails. The popular Soiree Festival offers a variety of entertainment.
Anderson College offers a variety of events for residents and visitors at the Callie Stringer Rainey Fine Arts Center. The Anderson Symphony and the local musical consortium provide musical events. The Civic Center is utilized for community events, performances as well as craft shows. The Anderson County Arts Center features exhibits by local and national artists. A large local amphitheater hosts a variety of events. The All-American Rhythm and Blues festival is held in the city. Other noteworthy events include:
- Anderson County Fair
- Historic Pendleton Spring Jubilee
- Williamston Spring Water Festival
- The Great Southwest Balloon Fest
- Belton Standpipe Festival
- The annual Chili Cook-off
Attractions
The nearby historic town of Pendleton is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The Woodburn & Ashtabula historic house and the Anderson County Museum are noteworthy attractions. The Jockey Lot is one of the biggest flea markets located in the Southeast. The South Carolina National Heritage Corridor passes through the county. Historic sites can be seen in the Anderson, Boulevard, Westside and the Downtown historic districts. The Downtown Historic District features the old courthouse and brass cannons from the Revolutionary War.
Higher Education
The city is home to Anderson University. Clemson University, Southern Wesleyan University and Tri-County Technical College are located in the area.