There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Rock Hill, South Carolina
By Will Suphan|Published September 19, 2022
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Will Suphan
Author
Will has been living in Arizona off and on for 30+ years in the Phoenix Metro and Tucson areas. He has traveled all over the state as well as having lived all over the Southwest. He's been writing for OnlyInYourState for one year and has previously written for Digital Journal. Will has a passion for travel and writing and combining the two is what he loves most. He loves solo international travel and has been to Thailand, France, Japan, and Cambodia.
There is a Civil Rights landmark In Rock Hill, South Carolina that will move you. You can see its symbolism in the Rock Hill Downtown Historic District. Also prominent in Rock Hill is a collection of historic architecture spanning many styles of house construction through the years. Rock Hill is abundant with lush greenery, beautiful neighborhoods, and a lot of Southern charm. Experience three historic landmarks in this charming town.
The Freedom Walkway is a historical landmark replete with symbolism depicting the struggle for freedom for people of color locally and nationally. Stones represent obstacles and a "9" mosaic, as well as nine stone stools, represent Friendship 9, who sat at McCrory's Lunch Counter when it was forbidden to them and were arrested, sparking similar demonstrations across the country. Regional flora and fauna are depicted as well as the core message of this struggle, "Liberty and Justice for All". A block away is a Civil Rights Memorial which shares the history and celebrates the leaders of the Civil Rights movement.
Tillman Hall is a Romanesque-style building that is the focal point for Winthrop University, which was originally Winthrop College, the first state-sponsored women's college in South Carolina. Tillman Hall was built in 1895 and is an architectural marvel comprised of pressed red bricks, a granite foundation, a conical clock tower with a belfry, and several intricate details including arches, keystones, gables, and Sullivanesque friezes and floral motifs. It is quite a sight to behold, and still looks much like it did when it was first built.
This lovely district boasts 29 historic homes, most of them built between 1906 and 1925. Many styles of home construction are on display, including Victorian, Colonial Revival, Bungalow, and Classical Revival. It makes for a wonderful drive through history and it is so rare to see so many 100+-year-old houses in such amazing condition, let alone still standing. There are even older houses like the Rawlinson House built around 1874-1875 and the McCall-Jones-Bryant House built around 1900.
Rock Hill is just south of the border of North and South Carolina and about a half-hour drive from Charlotte. Whether you’re lucky enough to be a student at Winthrop University or are just passing through, make sure to stop in Rock Hill to experience history that you’ll never forget. The Freedom Walkway is a moving reminder of struggles won and yet to be overcome. Be sure to visit again in winter when the whole town becomes a Winter Wonderland.
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