National Register Listing

Lancaster Downtown Historic District

S. Main, Gay, and Catawba Sts., Lancaster, SC
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

South Carolina was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution. The Battle of Camden, fought on August 16, 1780, resulted in a devastating defeat for the American army and caused the temporary collapse of the southern resistance to British rule.
South Carolina random facts
Lancaster County, located in the Piedmont region of South Carolina, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The Catawba Native American tribe was one of the first known inhabitants of the area, with evidence of their presence stretching back over 10,000 years. European settlement began in the late 18th century, with Scotch-Irish, English, and German immigrants establishing homesteads along the Catawba River.

During the American Revolution, Lancaster County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The area was a hotbed of patriot activity, and several key figures, such as Major William Richardson Davie, were from the area. The Battle of Hanging Rock, fought in present-day Lancaster County, was a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War in the South.

The growth and development of Lancaster County continued after the Revolutionary War. Agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, became the dominant industry, and the county was one of the largest cotton producers in the South. Slavery was an integral part of the agricultural economy, and many large plantations were established during this time.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lancaster County went through various economic changes. The decline of cotton as a cash crop and the industrialization of the textile industry led to a shift in the local economy. Textile mills sprang up throughout the county, providing employment opportunities for the growing population. Lancaster County continues to be influenced by its agricultural and industrial roots while also adapting to the changing economic landscape.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lancaster County, South Carolina.

  • 1749: Lancaster County is created, named after Lancaster, England.
  • 1759: Waxhaws Presbyterian Church is established.
  • 1780: Battle of Waxhaws takes place during the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1785: Lancaster becomes the county seat.
  • 1828: Robert Mills designs the Lancaster County Courthouse.
  • 1861-1865: Lancaster County is heavily impacted by the Civil War.
  • 1905: Springs Cotton Mill opens, becoming a major employer in the county.
  • 1942: Camp Cox military training base is established during World War II.
  • 1981: Andrew Jackson State Park is opened to the public.
  • 2006: HAAS Automation opens a manufacturing facility, bringing new jobs to the area.
  • 2018: The Red Rose Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in downtown Lancaster.