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

Poinsett's Spring

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 25, 2024

1. Poinsett's Spring Marker

Inscription. This granite basin stood over a spring on a toll road built in 1820 under the direction of Joel Poinsett, South Carolina's first Commissioner of Public Works. The road established the commercial links between South Carolina and the neighboring states of Tennessee and North Carolina.

"Poinsett's Spring" was located in northern Greenville County to provide refreshment for weary travelers. In 1956, the road through Saluda Gap was abandoned, and the historic basin was donated to the Poinsett Hotel.

Poinsett Bridge
Built in 1820, the Poinsett Bridge is the oldest bridge in South Carolina. The 14-foot Gothic arch spans a creek that was part of the state road running from Charleston to North Carolina. From this spot, the Poinsett Bridge is 25 miles north of the city.

Directions: Take US 25 north (10.9) miles. Just beyond Highway 11, turn right onto Old Highway 24 (3.2 miles). At the fork, bear right onto Callahan Mt. Road (2.1 miles). The bridge is on the left side of the road.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.

Location. 34° 50.948′ N, 82° 23.99′ W. Marker is in Greenville, South Carolina, in Greenville County

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. It is on South Main Street north of West Court Steeet, on the left when traveling north. The marker is next to the Poinsett Spring Basin in front of Elite Fitness. The Westin Poinsett Hotel is just to the south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 104 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: A different marker also named Poinsett's Spring (here, next to this marker); Joel Roberts Poinsett (within shouting distance of this marker); South Carolina's First National Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Vardry McBee (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named South Carolina's First National Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Record Building (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Joel Roberts Poinsett (within shouting distance of this marker); Greenville County Courthouse / The Willie Earle Lynching Trial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenville.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Poinsett's Spring Marker and basin looking north on South Main Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 25, 2024

2. Poinsett's Spring Marker and basin looking north on South Main Street

Poinsett's Spring Marker and basin looking south on South Main Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 25, 2024

3. Poinsett's Spring Marker and basin looking south on South Main Street

The Westin Poinsett Hotel is in the background

Poinsett's Spring Basin image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 25, 2024

4. Poinsett's Spring Basin

Rear view of Poinsett's Spring Basin image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 25, 2024

5. Rear view of Poinsett's Spring Basin

Top of Poinsett's Spring Basin. Inscription: JRP 1820 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 25, 2024

6. Top of Poinsett's Spring Basin. Inscription: JRP 1820

Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 522 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 28, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.