The West End of Greenville, located just across the Reedy River from downtown, has a long and interesting history. Although settlement in the area (near the intersection of Main, Pendleton and Augusta Streets) began as early as the 1830's, the real impetus for growth of the West End resulted from two events occurring in the 1850s. Furman University was established in 1852 on fifty acres of land in the West End, where it expanded and remained until 1958; and the first train on the Greenville & Columbia Railroad arrived in the West End in 1853. These factors led to both residential and commercial development of the area. The University attracted professors and students. Soon a residential and commercial areas began to develop to serve their needs. Commercial development accelerated during the period after the Civil War when phosphate and guano fertilizers made it profitable for upcountry farmers to grow cotton. Cotton and fertilizer warehouses sprang up throughout the area, as did other commercial activities that supported the farmers from throughout the region. By the turn of the century, the West End was a thriving commercial district, second in importance only to Greenville's downtown. As the residential development increased, schools and churches followed. Chicora College for women was established in 1893 on an elevated site overlooking the river.

The first three decades of the 20th century brought a number of changes to the West End. Textile mills began to be located outside the central city and the earlier mills along the Reedy River experienced difficult financial conditions from 1895-1910. Chicora College moved from Greenville to Columbia in 1915 and its buildings burned in 1919. Commercial activity in the area shifted from cotton to soft drink manufacturing and bottling, and the introduction of the automobile led to the construction of auto agencies and repair shops. New office and commercial buildings were constructed during this period as well to serve what was still a very vital commercial and residential area.

The West End Historic District, known as the arts and entertainment center of the city, is anchored by the West End Market and Falls Park on the Reedy. While visiting the West End , you can browse through the shops in the West End Market and surrounding streets, dine in one of the area's unique restaurants, enjoy a theater performance, or view the progress of the construction of a world-class pedestrian bridge across the Reedy River falls.

Places of interest in Greenville's West End

"Shoeless Joe" Jackson Memorial Park
West Avenue, Greenville

16th S.C. Volunteers Museum of Confederate History
15 Boyce Ave., Greenville

Greenville County Museum of Art
420 College St., Greenville

Greenville Cultural Exchange Center
700 Arlington Ave., Greenville

Hollywild Animal Park
Hampton Road, Inman

James Dunklin House
544 W. Main St.,

Kilgore-Lewis House
560 N. Academy St., Greenville

Peace Center for the Performing Arts
300 S. Main St., Greenville

Reedy River Falls and Historic Park
South Main Street and Camperdown Way, Greenville


Greenville Quick Links

SC Governor's School for the Arts & Humanities
http://www.scgsah.state.sc.us

The Fine Arts Center
http://www.fineartscenter.net

Greenville Symphony
http://www.greenvillesymphony.org

Peace Center for the Performing Arts - Entertainment stage and theare
http://www.peacecenter.org

Metropolitan Arts Council. Greenville's Art Council
http://www.greenvillearts.com

South Carolina Lakes - Lake info for boating & fishing
http://www.southcarolinalakes.net

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
http://www.gspairport.com