About the Project
This comprehensive list of sites in Greenville County that are associated with the American Revolution was made possible through a grant from the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission as part of their work to highlight the incredible contributions the state made to the Independence effort.
Greenville County was not formed until 1786, five years after the end of the War, and was home to the Cherokee nation prior to that time. Just one battle was fought in the area, the Battle of Great Cane Break, on December 22, 1775. After the war, land grants awarded to Patriot soldiers meant that many veterans made their homes here with their families and were later buried here. These gravesites, along with several historic markers and statues, make up the bulk of the associated sites in the county.
Click on the interactive map to explore the sites or explore some of the more colorful stories by clicking on the buttons below. Please be aware of private property restrictions if you decide to explore this fascinating part of Upcountry history.
Enjoy your journey!
Explore Revolutionary Greenville County
Featured People, Places, & Stories
Dicey Langston-Springfield
1766-1837
Laodicea “Dicey” Langston-Springfield is known for defending her family and Patriot cause as a fearless teenage heroine and serving as a Patriot spy.
Cherokee Boundary Line
1761-1777
Formerly the east boundary of the Cherokee Nation, this was the basis for the present-day line between Greenville, Laurens, and Spartanburg Counties.
The Battle of Great Cane Brake
December 22, 1775
This pitched battle was fought by the banks of the Reedy River as Maj. William “Danger” Thomson’s troops attacked at first light. The Patriots took victory.
Richard Pearis
1725-1794
Richard Pearis is known both for his dealings with the Cherokee and for being one of the first European settlers in what is present-day Greenville County.
Gen. Nathanael Greene
1797 - Present
The namesake of Greenville County, Gen. Nathanael Greene was the commander of the Southern Department of the Continental Army.
Jane Black Thomas
1720-1811
Jane Black Thomas was a patriot heroine who rode 60 miles on horseback to warn troops of a British ambush, turning the fight into a Patriot victory.
Springwood Cemetery
1800 - Present
The oldest municipal cemetery in both Greenville County and the state of South Carolina, Springwood Cemetery contains over 10,000 known graves.
Lt. George Salmon
1754-1837
George Salmon served as an express message carrier. After the war, he took hundreds of the first surveys of Greenville County’s lands.
Greenville County’s 250 Committee
Committee Chairs:
Brandy Amidon, Mayor, Travelers Rest, SC
Lauren Luneckas, CEO, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
Dana Thorpe, CEO, Upcountry History Museum
Project Manager:
Martha Wiley, Collections Manager, Upcountry History Museum
Project Coordinator:
Mallory Tutterrow, Administrative Assistant, Upcountry History Museum
Committee Members:
Tracy Andrew
Durant Ashmore
Marilyn Ashmore
Kate Fowler
Joe Glavitch
Nora Haskell
Phyllis Henderson
Catherine Hubka
Beverly James
Colleen Knights
Taffy Lowery
Dr. David Markus
Loretta Mulé
Kristen Pace
Thomas Riddle
Deb Soden
Susan Sorrell
April Staley
Philip Tilghman
Dr. Courtney Tollison
