Greenville in Greenville County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

"The Cradle of Greenville"

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 25, 2024

1. "The Cradle of Greenville" Marker

Inscription. Referred to as "the cradle of Greenville," it was the magnificent, life-giving falls of the Reedy River that led the first settlers to this region. Greenville was founded on the banks of the Reedy River and for most of Greenville's history, Reedy River Falls has served as the centerpiece of downtown.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the falls, with their accessibility and beauty, were a favorite gathering space and source of community pride. Over time, however, industrialization along the river polluted the waters and the city turned its back on the historic area.

(captions)
Students from Greenville Woman's College sketching class, circa 1903
Falls at Greenville, by T. Addison Richards

Erected by City of Greenville.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 34° 50.697′ N, 82° 24.085′ W. Marker is in Greenville, South Carolina, in Greenville County. It can be reached from South Main Street near Falls Park Drive, on the right when traveling north. From South Main St & Falls Park Dr, take the descending stairs on the right.

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At the Liberty Bridgeport junction, turn left down the steps to the Falls Park trail. The marker is 50 feet ahead on the right, in a planter. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 S Main St, Greenville SC 29601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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: Reedy River Falls (within shouting distance of this marker); Hunting Grounds to Mill Town (within shouting distance of this marker); Liberty Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); McBee's Mills (within shouting distance of this marker); Paul Ellis, III Overlook (within shouting distance of this marker); Harriet Smith Wyche (within shouting distance of this marker); The Reedy River (within shouting distance of this marker); Falls Place (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenville.

"The Cradle of Greenville" Marker looking north on the Falls Park Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 25, 2024

2. "The Cradle of Greenville" Marker looking north on the Falls Park Trail

Rear view Shopping complex on South Main Street is on the left.

"The Cradle of Greenville" Marker looking south towards Liberty Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 25, 2024

3. "The Cradle of Greenville" Marker looking south towards Liberty Bridge

Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 308 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 27, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.