Rock Hill in York County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The A. Friedheim & Bro. And Smith-Fewell Buildings

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 18, 2021

1. The A. Friedheim & Bro. And Smith-Fewell Buildings Marker

Inscription.
Construction of the Friedheim and Smith-Fewell buildings began in June 1898. Both structures were built by local craftsmen using over 1 million brick, 5 railcars of stone, 150,000 ft. of lumber and over 700 sq. ft. of plate glass.

Both stores opened to the public in the spring of 1899. Friedheim's was the first store in Rock Hill to sell ready-to-wear clothes, along with carpets, furniture, buggies, and dry goods. From 1910-1914, the Smith-Fewell building served as a mercantile establishment and the Rock Hill Library.

Erected 1999 by York County Culture and Heritage Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1898.

Location. 34° 55.555′ N, 81° 1.639′ W. Marker is in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in York County. It is on East Main Street 0.1 miles east of Dave Lyle Boulevard (State Highway 122), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 121 E Main St, Rock Hill SC 29730, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands

and in the Olde English District. It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: From Mall To Main (a few steps from this marker); Jewish Merchants of Rock Hill / A. Friedheim & Bro. (within shouting

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distance of this marker); The Dalton Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Rock Hill's Sit-in Movement (within shouting distance of this marker); Rock Hill's Civil Rights Giant (within shouting distance of this marker); Jail, No Bail! (within shouting distance of this marker); McCrory's Civil Rights Sit-ins / "Friendship Nine" (within shouting distance of this marker); Village of Rock Hill / City of Rock Hill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rock Hill.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 18, 2021

2. The A. Friedheim & Bro. And Smith-Fewell Buildings Marker

Full view of The A. Friedheim & Bro. And Smith-Fewell Buildings image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, September 25, 2025

3. Full view of The A. Friedheim & Bro. And Smith-Fewell Buildings

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 837 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on September 27, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.