Oakland Plantation
Historical marker location:This house was built in 1823 by Dr. Thomas Collins Austin (1790-1883), physician and planter. Austin attended the Medical University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and practiced medicine here for sixty years. His office, just north of the house, was demolished in 1953. Austin and his wife Mary Turner James (1805-1889) raised eleven children here.
In 1897 the Austin family sold the house and 550 acres to Thomas Martin Vaughan (1865-1939). Vaughan, a farmer, married Ida Tyson Vaughan (1875-1952) the next year. They raised eleven children here, just as the Austins had. Their daughter Lucille Jessie Vaughan Rice (1912-2006), the last family member to live here, sold the house to the YMCA of Greenville in 2004
During the American Revolution, Greenville played a significant role as a major supply center for Patriot forces. The area saw military action, including the Battle of Great Cane Brake in 1775, where local militia successfully repelled British loyalists. After the war, Greenville County developed rapidly as industries such as textiles and railroad transportation began to flourish.
In the mid-19th century, Greenville's economy continued to thrive due to the introduction of the cotton gin, which led to an increase in cotton production. This attracted more settlers to the area and resulted in the expansion of Greenville as a trading hub. However, the Civil War brought drastic changes to the county as it became a central battleground. The area saw numerous skirmishes, including the Battle of Fairview and the burning of downtown Greenville by Union forces in 1865.
Following the war, Greenville County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. The textile industry continued to dominate the local economy, with the establishment of mills and factories. The county also underwent significant modernization with the introduction of electricity, telephones, and paved roads in the early 20th century. Over time, Greenville County diversified its economy, attracting new industries such as automotive manufacturing and technology.
Today, Greenville County is a vibrant and thriving community with a rich history that is celebrated through various museums, historic sites, and cultural events. It has transformed into a center for business, education, and the arts, while also embracing its past and preserving its historical landmarks.
Greenville County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Greenville County, South Carolina.
- 1786 - Greenville County was officially established as a county in South Carolina
- 1800s - Greenville becomes an important textile manufacturing center, with the establishment of numerous cotton mills
- 1831 - Greenville incorporated as a city
- 1861-1865 - Greenville County and the city of Greenville played a role in the American Civil War
- 1892 - The famous Liberty Bridge was constructed, connecting Falls Park to the West End
- 1902 - Furman University moved to Greenville from its previous location in Edgefield, South Carolina
- 1930s - Greenville experiences significant growth and industrialization, becoming known as "The Textile Center of the South"
- 1950s-1960s - Greenville County sees the beginnings of the civil rights movement and desegregation efforts
- 1970s - Greenville becomes a major hub for the automotive industry
- 1990s - Downtown Greenville undergoes revitalization efforts, leading to a resurgence in its economy and cultural offerings