Spartanburg

History

Spartanburg was formed in 1785 after a deal was made with the Cherokee in 1753, and was named after a local militia in the American Revolutionary War, the Spartan Regiment. The regiment, commanded by Andrew Pickens, participated in the Battle of Cowpens. In 1831, Spartanburg was incorporated, later becoming known as the "Hub City"; railroad lines radiated from it like wheel spokes.

Spartanburg became a center of textile manufacturing in the late 19th century, with around 40 textile mills established through the early 1900s.

In 1911, under the sponsorship of the Spartanburg Herald and the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the city built a Confederate monument at the intersection of South Church and Henry Streets, overlooking downtown. In 1966 it was moved to Duncan Park.

During World War I, 100,000 soldiers trained at Camp Wadsworth. Camp Croft trained soldiers during World War II. The facility was transferred to the state and adapted as Croft State Park.

By the 1950s, production at Spartanburg's mills had begun to decline as wages increased. Most textile manufacturing jobs were moved offshore.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 20.37 square miles (52.8 km2), of which 20.25 square miles (52.4 km2) is land and 0.11 square miles (0.28 km2) (0.54%) is water. The most common soil series is Cecil. The bedrock is mostly biotite gneiss.

Climate

The city of Spartanburg has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot, and humid summers, and cool to semi-mild winters. The average annual temperature is 61.6 °F (16.4 °C). In the summer from June through September, average highs are in the 80s °F (20s °C) to low 90s °F (30s °C), while in the winter, average highs are in the mid-50s °F (10s °C). Annual rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the whole year. Spartanburg receives very little snowfall, with the annual average being only 1.4 inches (3.6 cm). Average precipitation is 51.3 inches (130 cm) and the average growing season is 231 days.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, 38,732 people, 15,876 households, and 8,638 families resided in the city. The median age was 35.7 years, with 22.4% of residents under the age of 18 and 17.4% aged 65 years or older. For every 100 females there were 82.7 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 77.4 males age 18 and over.

100.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 0.0% lived in rural areas.

There were 15,876 households in Spartanburg, of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 30.4% were married-couple households, 20.7% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 42.7% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 37.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 17,419 housing units, of which 8.9% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.2% and the rental vacancy rate was 7.3%.

2010 census

At the 2010 census, there were 37,013 people, 15,989 households, and 9,721 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,066.3 inhabitants per square mile (797.8/km2). The 17,696 housing units had an average density of 923.9 per square mile (356.7/km2). The racial makeup was 49.55% African American, 47.15% White, 0.18% Native American, 1.33% Asian, 0.82% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 1.78% of the population.

Of the 15,989 households, 28.9% had children under 18 living with them, 34.0% were married couples living together, 23.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were not families. About 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.33, and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city, the age distribution was 25.2% under 18, 12.2% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,735, and for a family was $36,108. Males had a median income of $30,587 versus $23,256 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,136. About 29.4% of families and 23.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.6% of those under age 18 and 15.4% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Developers and community leaders have spearheaded an effort to revitalize Spartanburg's downtown commercial district. This has resulted in a remodeling of Morgan Square, restoration of several historic structures, and relocation of several businesses and company headquarters to the downtown vicinity. These new developments include a nine-floor, 240-room Marriott hotel.

Spartanburg is home to many large companies, including Denny's, KYMCO, Smith Drug Company, Advance America Cash Advance, Southern Conference, Spartanburg Herald-Journal, RJ Rockers Brewing Company, American Credit Acceptance, and Upward Sports.

Spartanburg's economy benefits from the BMW manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. As of 2017, the plant employed about 8,800 people with an average daily output of about 1,400 vehicles.

Spartanburg is also home to the world headquarters and research facility for Milliken & Company, a textile and chemical manufacturer.

Top employers

According to Spartanburg's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, its principal employers are:

Arts and culture

Cultural events and institutions in the city include:

Chapman Cultural Center, Spartanburg's cultural anchor for history, art, theatre, dance, music, and science, is in a three-building complex on the northern edge of downtown. Opened in October 2007, the Center was designed by David M. Schwarz Architects of Washington, D.C. It houses the Spartanburg Art Museum, Spartanburg County Regional History Museum, Science Center, Little Theatre, Ballet, Music Foundation, and other groups that were formerly in The Arts Center on South Spring Street. It is owned and operated by The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting arts and cultural agencies in Spartanburg County.

Converse University is a nationally known four-year liberal arts institution recognized for its strong music and visual art programs. It hosts events open to the community throughout the year. Twichell Auditorium is on the campus of Converse University. Home of the Greater Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra, the auditorium has hosted other groups, such as the Spartanburg All-County High School Band and Boston Brass. Twichell Auditorium was built in 1899 and renovated for the school's centennial celebration in 1989. It is home to a 57-rank Casavant organ with 2,600+ pipes. Theatre Converse puts on several plays a year, and Converse puts on an opera annually, as well as opera scenes. The university has had major concerts in recent years with such artists as Caedmon's Call, Jason Mraz, Corey Smith, and Colbie Caillat.

Hub City Writers Project, serves the community as a local publishing company and independent bookstore.

Spartanburg County Public Library headquarters, housed in an innovative building on South Church Street, is home to a voluminous collection of fiction, nonfiction, children's literature, A/V materials and items relating to local history and genealogy. The library hosts many meetings, concerts and presentations. The County Librarian is Todd Stephens.

Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium is on N. Church Street, across from the municipal building in the northwest end of the city. The "SMA" has hosted acts such as Bob Dylan, Crosby Stills and Nash, B.B. King, Billy Joel, David Copperfield, Lewis Grizzard, Harry Connick, Jr., Gerald Levert, Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, Phish, and A Prairie Home Companion. Originally built in an Art Deco style, it was renovated c. 2002 including a new facade and backstage with loading area.

Points of interest

Cottonwood Trail, a walking trail in the Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve, runs along part of Lawson's Fork Creek. The trail includes picnic areas, a raised path over an extensive wetlands area and access to sporadic sandbars. Just east of downtown, it is used frequently by cyclists, joggers and walkers. Since the Lawson's Fork floodplain is not suitable for development, wildlife populate the area. Larger animals found here include white-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, mallard ducks, Canada geese, and snapping turtles.

Hampton Heights Historic District, the city's oldest intact downtown neighborhood, is a few blocks south of Morgan Square. Architectural styles in this neighborhood range from large Queen Anne and Neoclassical homes to cozy early 20th-century bungalows.

Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve is in the midst of an urban environment. Retired social activist Harold Hatcher and his wife Josephine transformed an eroding gully into a thick woods and flower garden that now provides a haven for birds and other wildlife.

Early European settlers to this area included French fur trappers, English woodsmen, and Scots-Irish farmers. Few remnants survive from these early pioneering days, but traces can be found in the more rural areas of the county.

Lawson's Fork Creek, a tributary of the Pacolet River, was once known for its plentiful wildlife and crystal clear waters. Parks and woodlands line much of its banks (which lie entirely within Spartanburg County), and rocky shoals and natural waterfalls can be found throughout its course. It stretches from the northern end of the county to the eastern end, where it empties into the Pacolet River.

Jammie Seay House, another 18th-century home, is a more typical representative of a pioneer home. Its single stone fireplace and simple construction were common traits of farmsteads from this period.

First established in the 1780s as a courthouse village, Spartanburg may have been named for the Spartan regiment of the South Carolina militia. The city was incorporated in 1831, at the time of the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens, a pivotal fight of the American Revolution that took place only a few miles away. The city's streets and architectural record reflect the changes of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Attractions

Dickens of a Christmas, Victorian holiday event held annually in downtown Spartanburg on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving

The Greek Festival is a major street festival that is held in September by the local Greek community at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. It offers Greek food and cultural activities, and is the sister festival to the Greek Festival held every spring in Greenville.

Festifall, an historical celebration held on the grounds of the 18th-century Walnut Grove Plantation in October, featuring demonstrations and reenactments

The Hotspot Skatepark

The Hub City Farmers Market, outdoor market held Saturday mornings 8:00am – 12:00pm from April to December at Harvest Park in the Northside neighborhood, showcasing local (often organic) produce and goods

The Hub City Hog Fest, annual barbecue festival and competition that benefits Mobile Meals. It is held in the heart of downtown Spartanburg with food trucks, over 40 BBQ teams, and two days of live music.

Hub City Railroad Museum

The International Festival, event showcasing culture and cuisine from countries around the globe held at Barnet Park on the first Saturday in October

Music on Main, street concert event held every Thursday (April through August) in downtown Spartanburg

Spartanburg Music Trail, with a series of signs throughout downtown recognizing local musicians

Red, White and Boom, Fourth of July event held at Barnet Park featuring patriotic music and a fireworks display

Taste of the Backcountry, historical celebration held on the grounds of the 18th-century Price House in April, featuring food samples and demonstrations

Sports

Spartanburg formerly hosted the NFL's Carolina Panthers training camp each year on the campus of Wofford College from 1995 to 2023. The Panthers moved their training camp to Charlotte in 2024.

Duncan Park Stadium is one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the country. It was once home to the Spartanburg Stingers in the Coastal Plain League (CPL) and the Spartanburg Crickets in the Southern Collegiate Baseball League. It was also once home to the Spartanburg Peaches, a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians and the Spartanburg Phillies, a minor league team of the Philadelphia Phillies. It now is the home stadium for the baseball teams of Spartanburg High School. In 2021, it was the home field for the Spartanburgers in the CPL.

The Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas is held each year at Wofford's Gibbs Stadium. It is a high school football all-star game played between the top players from South Carolina and the top players from North Carolina.

The USC Upstate Spartans, Spartanburg Methodist College Pioneers, Wofford College Terriers, and Converse University Valkyries offer a variety of sports for both men and women. The Southern Conference is also headquartered in Spartanburg.

The city hosts the Spartanburg Criterium. The criterium is a yearly event and is usually one of the events associated with Speed Week which is part of the USA Crits bicycle racing series. The event is billed as the “fastest night in Spartanburg”.

Upward Sports, a Christian-based sports organization for kids, is headquartered in Spartanburg.

The Down East Wood Ducks baseball team of the Carolina League moved to the newly-built Fifth Third Park in downtown Spartanburg in April 2025. The team was renamed the Hub City Spartanburgers and currently play as the High A affiliate of the Texas Rangers in the South Atlantic League

Boiling Springs FC, a semiprofessional soccer team of the United Premier Soccer League, began play in 2024.

Government

The current mayor, Jerome Rice, was elected in 2021. Spartanburg operates under a city manager form of government in which the mayor and six city council members have equal votes. Council members represent districts within the city, and the mayor is elected at large. The council appoints a city manager, who is responsible for the daily administration of city governmental affairs.

City Hall was once at 145 West Broad Street, but that building was demolished, and the city offices are now at 187 West Broad Street while a joint government complex for the city and county offices is under construction. The city council meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at the Spartanburg County Administration Building.

The Spartanburg County Administration Building (the old Sears building which was vacated in the mid-1970s when Sears moved to Westgate Mall and renovated in the late 1980s or early 1990s) is at 366 North Church Street, across the street from the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.

Education

Colleges and universities

Spartanburg is a college town, with four institutions of higher learning within the city limits:

Spartanburg Community College Downtown Campus

Converse University, founded in 1889, a comprehensive doctoral institution

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Carolinas Campus, first classes began in fall 2011

Wofford College, founded in 1854, a Phi Beta Kappa liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 1,500 students

In the area:

The University of South Carolina Upstate (formerly known as University of South Carolina Spartanburg, or USCS), in Valley Falls

Spartanburg Community College Spartanburg (Giles) Campus (main campus), in Southern Shops

Spartanburg Methodist College in Saxon (known as the Textile Industrial Institute from 1911 to 1942, then as Spartanburg Junior College until 1974). Originally South Carolina's only two-year residential college, it now offers several four-year programs.

Sherman College of Chiropractic, South Carolina's only chiropractic college

Public and private schools

Most of the City of Spartanburg's public schools are run by Spartanburg County School District 7, one of seven loosely affiliated districts in Spartanburg County. District 7 students are zoned to Spartanburg High School, but the westernmost part of the city is served by Spartanburg County School District 6, which has two elementary schools within city limits. District 6 students are zoned to Paul M. Dorman High School in Roebuck.

The Spartanburg area is home to the main campus of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind, which is outside of the city limits in an unincorporated area. It has five Regional Outreach Centers throughout the state. The city is also home to Spartanburg Preparatory School, a K–8 public charter school that is the only "brick and mortar" charter school in the Upstate.

Spartanburg is also home to Spartanburg Christian Academy, a K–12 private school in North Spartanburg, the Spartanburg Day School, a K–12 private school offering the International Baccalaureate in grades K–4, and to Oakbrook Preparatory and Westgate Christian schools, both K–12 private schools. The Montessori Academy of Spartanburg, in Hampton Heights, is a PreK-8 private school providing a Montessori educational approach. The Meeting Street Academy in downtown Spartanburg is a branch of a Charleston-based private school and offers Pre-K and kindergarten.

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School is in downtown Spartanburg. It is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston and is K–8.

Media

The Post and Courier of Charleston operates a bureau in Spartanburg and publishes a Spartanburg e-edition and Spartanburg news online. A free joint print edition from both the Greenville and Spartanburg bureaus is published monthly, usually on the fourth Thursday of the month.

The Spartan Weekly News has offices in downtown Spartanburg. The paper covers all of Spartanburg County with an emphasis on the city of Spartanburg, and its coverage focuses on items of community interest and well as news from around the upstate of South Carolina.

Spartanburg Herald-Journal, owned by Gannett, is Spartanburg's primary newspaper. The Herald-Journal also publishes Spartanburg magazine four times per year.

The Woodruff Times publishes online.

The Greer Citizen published online and weekly in print from 1918 until closing at the end of July 2024.

Spartanburg is part of the much greater Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson-Asheville DMA which is the nation's 37th largest in the country and is served by the following major television affiliates:

Infrastructure

Transportation

Spartanburg is served by the Spartanburg Area Regional Transit Agency (SPARTA), covering the city of Spartanburg and the surrounding urbanized area with eight routes leading to a wide variety of destinations. All SPARTA buses are equipped with bicycle racks. Two hybrid-electric buses were added to the fleet in 2012. The SPARTA Passenger Center is at 100 North Liberty Street and also serves Greyhound buses.

Mass Transit is provided to all citizens of Spartanburg County through Spartanburg County Dial-A-Ride. It is a door to door service that operates six days a week.

Spartanburg is home to the Daniel Morgan Trail System, or "the Dan" for short, a 55-mile (89 km) collaboration between Spartanburg County Parks, the City of Spartanburg, non-profit PAL, and other community partners. The system consists of paved and unpaved pathways, along with expanded sidewalks and protected bicycle travel lanes. The Hub City Hopper, a fully protected bicycle lane going through the city's downtown that is described as a first of its kind in South Carolina, was named as the sixth best new U.S. bike lane in 2023 by PeopleForBikes. The system is likely to grow in the coming years.

The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) lies mostly in suburban Greer, and it serves Greenville as well as Spartanburg. It has become one of the busiest airports in South Carolina.

The Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport (SPA) is a general aviation/small craft airport owned and operated by the City, which lies southwest of town.

Amtrak's Crescent train connects Spartanburg with the cities of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Greensboro, Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham and New Orleans. The Amtrak station is situated at 290 Magnolia Street.

Healthcare

Spartanburg County's healthcare is mainly provided by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. Spartanburg Regional is a public, not-for-profit, integrated health care delivery system with several facilities in Spartanburg, including:

Spartanburg Medical Center (SMC), a research and teaching hospital with two locations: Spartanburg Medical Center campus on East Wood Street and Spartanburg Medical Center — Mary Black Campus on Skylyn Drive. Together, these campuses share a history that stretches back to the 1920s. Spartanburg Medical Center includes a total of 747 beds, and services that include emergency, surgical, maternity, cancer, a Heart Center and inpatient rehabilitation.

Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care (SHRC), a 97-bed long-term, acute-care hospital with a 25-bed skilled nursing facility.

Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute, providing an inpatient oncology unit and outpatient care, along with access to clinical trials and the latest cancer technology.

Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health, a state-of-the-art imaging center for digital mammography, ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy and bone densitometry.

Medical Group of the Carolinas, a physician group with offices throughout Spartanburg and Upstate South Carolina.