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Greer can trace its beginnings from a crossroads village and trading
post in 1876. For many years it was an agriculture center with
textiles as its prime industry.
Since the end of World War II,
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various other industries have expanded production here. The
agricultural area around Greer has also gradually moved away from
cotton production. While peaches are still an important crop, farmers
have turned to cattle, soybeans and other crops in recent years.
The origins of Greenville County's name are uncertain, but it was most
likely named after Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Greene or an
early resident by the name of Isaac Green.
This part of the state was Cherokee Indian Territory until 1777.
Scotch-Irish and English settlers began moving here soon after it was
ceded to the state. Greenville District was created in 1786, but from
1791 to 1800 it was part of the larger Washington District. Because of
its Blue Ridge Mountain foothills location, Greenville County became a
popular summer retreat for Lowcountry planters. Encouraged by abundant
streams and rivers, textile manufacturers began operating in the area
as early as the 1820s.
Famous former residents of the area include U.S. Congressman Waddy
Thompson, legendary baseball player "Shoeless Joe" Jackson, Nobel
Prize winner Charles Townes and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. |
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