Greenville in Greenville County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Greenville Arboretum
Reedy River Falls Historic Park
Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2009
1. Greenville Arboretum Marker
The Greenville Garden Club won the $500 second place price in Better Homes and Gardens' "Most Beautiful America" contest in 1932 for their landscaping of Rock Quarry Park. Members used the money to develop South Carolina's first arboretum on five acres of Furman University land immediately above this plaque. The plan, developed by Mrs. H.T. Crigler of the Garden Club, J.A. McPherson of the Parks and Trees Commission, and Furman botanist Sumner Ives, included flower beds, terraces, winding walks, retaining walls, and "picturesque seats of natural stone." WPA workers built the project. Beginning with 266 trees of 25 varieties, club members added hollies, magnolias, and other specimen plantings to create one of Greenville's most attractive tourist sights in the 1930s. The arboretum was neglected during World War II, and fell into decay when Furman moved away.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.
Location. 34° 50.617′ N, 82° 24.15′ W. Marker is in Greenville, South Carolina, in Greenville County. Marker can be reached from Furman College Way.
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Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Touchstone House "Falls Cottage" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wilson Cooke (about 300 feet away); Restoration and Development (about 300 feet away); Furman University (about 300 feet away); The Touchstone House (about 400 feet away); Chicora College (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Furman University (about 400 feet away); Harriet Smith Wyche (about 500 feet away); History of Falls Park (about 500 feet away); Alliance Cotton Warehouse (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenville.
Regarding Greenville Arboretum. The Rock Quarry Park mentioned in the marker still exists. Its located at the intersection of Sherwood Street and Ridgeland Drive.
Also see . . .
1. Reedy River Falls Historic Park and Greenway. The Reedy River Falls are not only the geographical but also the historical center of Greenville. (Submitted on April 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
2. Falls Park. Greenville's birthplace, featuring Reedy River Falls. (Submitted on April 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2009
2. Greenville Arboretum Marker and Footbridge
3. Falls Park on the Reedy. Falls Park on the Reedy is a 32-acre (130,000 m2) park adjacent to downtown Greenville, South Carolina in the historic West End district. (Submitted on April 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
4. Works Progress Administration. The Works Progress Administration (renamed in 1939 to the Work Projects Administration; WPA) was the largest New Deal agency, employing millions of people and affecting almost every locality in the United States, especially rural and western mountain populations. (Submitted on June 30, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Additional commentary.
1. About the Greenville Arboretum
Rehabilitation of the area (Reedy River Falls and Greenway) began with the opening of the Furman University botanical garden and arboretum in 1929-1930. Since 1967, the Carolina Foothills Garden Club and the City of Greenville have been working to make the central part of this acreage suitable for a recreational park. (Source: National Register nomination form.)
— Submitted June 30, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2009
3. Stone Staircase Leading to Furman College Way
Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2009
4. Falls Park from the Greenville Arboretum Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,570 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
