Editor’s Note: We can no longer recommend visiting this historic site in Greenville County due to overwhelming reports from readers that the park is inundated with unsafe situations that involve both people and garbage.

In spite of skyrocketing growth within the Palmetto State as folks flock here from other states to experience living in South Carolina, there are remains (ruins, if you will) to be found that are as yet undisturbed. It’s refreshing to see the past preserved instead of razed and built over, for a change. Some of the most easily accessible ruins are hiding in plain sight, in fact, and scattered in the woodsy Pelham Mill Park in Greer.

Pelham Mill Park is a Greenville County Park that showcases some pretty significant ruins from Greenville's first-ever textile mill.
Google/Kevin Steuber
But the former hill here, Pelham Mill, actually got its start long before it took on the Pelham name.
It was built in 1820 along the Enoree River and was known as Buena Vista Factory (a.k.a. Hutchings Factory). Within five years, the mill had grown to include 144 spindles.
AllTrails/Kathy H
At this point, it caught fire and burned. Five years later, in 1830, the mill and the site sold and became the Lester Factory — which then burned again in 1853.
The Lester Factory bounced back and eventually built a separate mill office in 1870. The office still stands today within the park.
Google/Peter Haight
Ten years later, in the early 1880s, we see the name Pelham emerge for the mill after Pelham Manufacturing Company purchased the mill and various other properties.
Google/DK REALI
The company changed the name of the mill to Pelham in 1882.

Related Stories

There Are Fairies And Fairy Houses Hiding At This Children's Garden In South Carolina Just Like Something Out Of A Storybook

There Are Fairies And Fairy Houses Hiding At This Children's Garden In South Carolina Just Like Something Out Of A Storybook

 Get Lost In This Beautiful U-Pick Sunflower Field In South Carolina

Get Lost In This Beautiful U-Pick Sunflower Field In South Carolina

 The Sinister Story Behind This Popular South Carolina Park Will Give You Chills

The Sinister Story Behind This Popular South Carolina Park Will Give You Chills
Today, visitors to Pelham Mill Park can pay homage to the site's history as the county's first textile mill.
Google/Ari Carver
The biggest spectacle at the park is the dam built around 1880. It spans the entire width of the Enoree River and contains six working sluices. Visiting here after a heavy rain is a phenomenal sight!

Also present are two steam smoke stacks down by the river (pictured above), stone foundations of the factory which at the time of closing in 1935 had grown to more than 11,000 spindles, and brick pilings.
Additionally, a lookout box sits along the river with views of the dam, its sluices, and the shoals below the dam.
Google/terrie laskowski
Visitors here can wander the park freely with unfettered access to all of the ruins.
Walking paths totaling just under half a mile lead to most all of the notable sights.
AllTrails/Kathy H
And occasional kiosks tell more of the story behind Pelham Mill and the park that now marks its spot.
The ruins of Pelham Mill are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Google Maps
And this little hidden park is definitely worthy of a visit.

The park also features an enclosed dog park. And that historic office building built in 1880? Well, it was moved at one point to the other side of the road and became a U.S. Post Office until the early 2000s. It’s since been moved back and renovated for all to appreciate and enjoy. The county lists the park hours as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore South Carolina

Featured Addresses
Pelham Mill Park, 2770 E Phillips Rd, Greenville, SC 29615, USA