Falls Park and Liberty Bridge History

History of Falls Park and Liberty Bridge in Greenville

The dream to transform the Reedy River Valley area into a beautiful urban green space became a reality in the completion of Falls Park in Greenville SC. Part of this vision was to have the Reedy River waterfall visible in a way that all could partake in and enjoy.  This became possible with the construction of the Liberty Bridge. This journey started more than a century ago with the acquisition of land by Furman University.  The following is some of the history of the Parks development across the years.

Development of the area began in 1929 with the establishment of the Furman University Botanical gardens. Later, the Carolina Foothills Garden Club became interested in developing a park. In 1967, Furman alongside other institutions assisted Carolina Foothills Garden Club in obtaining 26 acres for the development of Falls Park.

A development plan for the park was created, and the improvements of the land in the area began immediately.  These improvements continued for several years. The Garden Club reached out and asked for help from the community.  The response was positive with many different organizations and individuals lending helping hands. The City Parks and Recreation Department and Garden Club volunteer workers did all the landscaping. Planting and beautification of the area were also done at the same time.

The key objective of the changes was to create open green space as a destination for locals and visitors.  However, the natural attractiveness of the town, and the waterfalls, was hindered by the existing Camperdown Bridge.

Although Falls Park was already operational in 1990, the construction of the Liberty Bridge marked its crowning achievement. Architect Andrea Main was asked to design a bridge that would provide views of the Falls, and connect with the river and the surrounding spaces. Camperdown Bridge was demolished in 2002, and the construction of Liberty Bridge began.  The new bridge was completed in 2004.

The Liberty Bridge is named for The Liberty Corporation for its commitment and aid to the Greenville community. The eye-catching and distinctive Liberty Bridge appears to be floating and provides vivid views of the falls and the downtown skyline. It is a trademark feature of the park and city, and it provides a pedestrian connection to Greenville’s main roads and the river valley.

More recently, Little Falls Park opened. It is the reestablishment of the former Furman University botanical garden and was restored in 2012. It contains the botanical bridge, the mill ruin stage and the sunflower garden.

Falls Park has become a beautiful outdoors facility at the core of the downtown area.  It is now a keystone at the center of the town’s unique beauty and culture, and draws both locals and visitors. The park has a system of meandering trails linking the town to the river. The trails are enjoyed by many in cycling, picnics and walking. Plantings and Reedy River Duck Derby are just a couple of the events that take place in the park annually.

On one of my recent trips to the area a friend of mine introduced me to Falls Park.  I was so taken with the area, I decided to look into the history of the park and area.  It is a crowning achievement to create a modern green space in a bustling downtown area, and I wondered how it had come about.  One minute you can be on Main Street, and a minute later enjoying a quiet secluded spot sitting beside the river.  We need more breaks like this from our modern day lives.  Though I can’t be there as often as I like, I enjoy an occasional virtual stroll across the Liberty Bridge found here. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in the Downtown Greenville area make sure to take a few minutes to stroll across the Liberty Bridge in person.  It is a unique experience, and you will be glad you did.

Pawleys Island SC

Pawleys Island SC

Pawleys Island offers a relaxing vacation experience to escape the stresses of mainland life.

Pawley’s Island is a small but historic piece of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Waccamaw River. It’s not certain if settlers like Percival had their own private getaway, but this area was later named after his sons – George Anthony & Percey Jr.; who received land grants in 1711 that became typical on The Neck: running from river all way down to sea-shoreline . This hasn’t stopped historians guessing at what might have happened next though because without any property records surviving during Civil War times it remains unclear exactly how much acreage these gentlemen owned.

The invention of the rice mill led to an increase in production and a booming industry. By 1860, there were no small planters having been bought out by powerful men who had amassed contiguous lands or subsidiary tracts to their north and south; this is what led to Georgetown County being credited with producing more than any other place except Calcutta India! These wealthy families are responsible for making it so that we can have our own identity within South Carolina’s rich history as well: “The Alstons”, “Allstons,” etc.,

The Atlantic Coast Lumber Co. also commissioned the steamship Governor Stafford for river crossings to Hagley and Waverly landings and operated a short-lived rail system across the Waccamaw Neck to the island from 1901-1906. Boats later serving as ferries from Georgetown to the Waccamaw Neck included the Comanche, the Cornwallis and the Pelican.

For the first time ever, tourists came to this quaint beach community in droves. These newcomers had never seen such beauty or enjoyed themselves so much – until now! They joined old families who were enjoying “the only beach around.”

The architectural makeup of Pawleys Island has not changed much since the 1700s. You can see this best in its historic homes, which are typically intermingled with more modern ones that had been built long ago and still retain their original look for a time-traveling glimpse into America’s past! Many signs mark properties on these shores as being previously owned by 3rd or 4th generations who continue to live there today – many also contain brief histories about how each house was used.

The Sea View Inn, built in 1937 and the Pelican Inn were once bustling with vacationers. Today they are both operating as if nothing ever happened – a stark contrast to how things looked when these hotels first opened their doors for business back then! There is no other commercial enterprise on this island; it’s all about keeping Pawleys Island just as unique.

Today, the beach is peaceful and pristine. Renowned for its surfing, this area has miles where there are dozen first rate golf courses as well as tennis courts to keep you busy all day long! Fishing off two marsh bridges or on any number of uninhabited islands can provide fun too. It’s has fishing close by with great spots near Pawley Point Park which has three launch ramps available if your boat needs some help getting afloat.

The idyllic town of Pawley’s Island has a long history, but one thing that hasn’t changed in all those centuries? The atmosphere. You’ll find it to be as safe and relaxing for pedestrians who want walk or jog along the beach while enjoying conversation at leisurely pace with friends – just like their parents and grandparents did before them!…

History of Simpsonville

History of Simpsonville, SC

Simpsonville is a city in Greenville County, SC. It started in 1820 as a stage stop at the intersection of old stage road and a former Cherokee trail. It draws its name from one farmer, Peter Simpson, who came to the area in 1838 and started a blacksmithing operation. The city naming resulted from the increasing fame of the services offered by Simpson. The city was incorporated on the 3rd of August 1903. Today it is considered one of the best places to live in South Carolina.

Silas Gilbert, who was among the first settlers, established a general store in the area in 1836. Two years later, Peter Simpson came and started blacksmithing operations. The same year, a post office named Plain was assigned to the area when mail began arriving. The post office would later be called Simpsonville in 1886. Wagon trade stopped when the Greenville and Columbia Railroad was completed in the early 1850s. This stunted growth in the village through the time of Reconstruction after the civil war.

The first church in Simpsonville was the Methodist Episcopal Church founded in 1842. After the Civil War, the local African Americans left the churches of former slave owners. They formed their own churches. Cedar Grove Baptist Church was organized by Rev. Tom Jones in 1870 in a small frame building, and in 1913-14, the current brick building was built. It was later placed on the historic sites register in 1992. The location of the church was a former family cemetery before being donated to the church.

Schooling began in Simpsonville after the American Civil War. Three-four single teacher schools emerged in the 1880s. The schools were name this way because they had three to four-month sessions. The first of these began in 1882 as a private school in a one-room structure. Later, these schools would pass the students into a high school in Simpsonville. Simpsonville High School was started in 1885. Soon after, a school for African Americans also began in 1891. In 1907, a two-story brick building opened. It served both the elementary and high schools. Then the two got separated in 1921 when a separate building was erected for the Simpsonville High School. Simpsonville Elementary School would then be established in 1939. The Simpsonville School system became more standard. And Simpsonville High School became the first high school in Greenville to present diplomas to graduates. Simpsonville High School would later be replaced by the Hillcrest High School in 1957, in a bid to improve school facilities and educational opportunities.

Since its founding, Simpsonville has grown and a quick pace. In 1885 Sidney J. Wilson, a North Carolinian, surveyed the land for a town and began selling off lots. It would then develop into a processing village consisting of three gins and a cottonseed mill. The establishment of Woodside Cotton Mill in 1908 was an economic game-changer. It became the largest employer until after World War II.  The mill closed in 1989 and the building converted to a commercial space with loft condos. Today it is called Cotton Mill Place.

Following the Great Depression of the 1930s, Simpsonville paused it’s growth as the burgeoning agricultural centre that it was. The economic crisis caused banks to suffer, and most were closed. One of the few Greenville County banks that survived was the Farmers Bank of Simpsonville.

In 1953 when Greenville waterworks stretched its systems to Mauldin, Simpsonville and Fountain Inn, the area began to grow again. As a result, Simpsonville SC became attractive to industrial developments. A concurrent need for new housing and the broadening of highway 276 in 1956 laid the foundation for more growth. Many local businesses became operation again. The town experienced overwhelming population growth in the late 1900s.

Simpsonville SC boasts high ranking schools, numerous parks, and a great road network. It is also known for low unemployment levels because of a variety of industries. Simpsonville has become one of the great places to live in the upstate of South Carolina.…

What a Gem

I recently had a chance to travel to Greenville, South Carolina. Greenville is located in what they refer to as “The Upstate” of South Carolina. The people were welcoming, the area was clean and inviting, and their Downtown area is quite the Gem. I was fortunate enough to have one of my friends take me to Falls Park right off of Main Street. We spent an afternoon in the Park with a picnic lunch. Though the weather was a little cool, the sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day. The Reedy River runs through this park, and the Liberty Bridge allows you to walk on a suspension bridge across the River. I have to admit, I have been on many walking trails, but the view from the Liberty Bridge out over the falls is breath taking. It really opened my eyes to the possibilities of life in South Carolina.

After my trip I did a little research, and not only is Greenville beautiful, but it’s economic growth is really booming. I guess when you have worldwide corporations in an area, it brings in real talent and growth. With the BMW plant and Michelin Headquarters just off of I-85 I don’t see Greenville’s growth slowing down anytime soon.

In addition to the Falls and Bridge, Greenville has the Peace Center, a minor league baseball stadium, and fantastic restaurants all within a 5 minute walk. There are ice cream shops, all the coffee you could want, and wonderful BBQ on every other corner. The streets are lined with trees, and traffic is controlled very well with lots of lights and barriers.

Though the past year has been hard on the Arts, The Peace Center typically offers a traveling rotation of Off-Broadway Shows, Big name acts, and performance by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. I hope to hear the Orchestra the next time I am in town. We had such a great time, I can’t wait to get back there. If you get the chance, I would highly recommend a trip to Greenville, or the Upstate. You will not be disappointed. …

Top Jobs You Can Do And Make Money As You Travel

We are living in a world of possibilities. Things that no one ever imagined are happening today and seem normal. For instance, if you ever told anyone a century ago that people will someday work from anywhere, they wouldn’t have believed you. But today, it’s happening and seems normal. 

Even better now, there are opportunities that you can take advantage of when you travel. There are different jobs that you can try out when you travel and make more money. 

If you have spare time on your trip, you don’t have to waste it. You can use it to work, gain more experience, and make money. 

But unless you have tried these opportunities, it can be difficult to determine the kind of jobs that you can do. This is because there is all manner of things that everyone will tell you to try out. However, not all are worth giving a try. 

Luckily, this article will share some of the jobs you can give a try when you travel and make money. 

  • Writing 

The most common job that you can try out when you travel is writing. Thanks to the many available opportunities you can find out there. In fact, you have a choice on what writing you can do. 

For instance, if you are a travel enthusiast, you can create your own blog. Then document your travel experience. This will be easy for you to write. Alternatively, you can check if travel magazines or websites are looking for a writer. And if you find any, go ahead and apply. 

But you don’t have to limit yourself to the travel niche. If you have a passion for other forms of writing, you can get them. When you use a platform like Upwork, you will find people looking for writers for various jobs. Apply them and get started. 

Writing will pay you good money that could even offset your travel budget. 

  • Virtual Assistance 

There are many people and companies stuck. They need help with various activities such as appointment setting, social media posting, cold pitching, and basically anything. 

So, if you have time when you travel, you can choose to be a solution to this category of people. Offer your virtual assistance services and get your money as you enjoy your vacation. 

  • Photography 

We sometimes forget the beauty of places as we travel. Make sure to take a camera along with you. The things you see that are unique can bring you extra money.

There is nothing wrong with posting pictures to websites where people can buy your photographs. This is an easy way to make a little extra money while doing something you love.

  • Data Entry 

We are living in a world where data is gold. Now, almost every company or individual is interested in capturing data and storing it conveniently. And this is why they are forever on the look-out for people with experience in data entry. And all it might require you to have is the experience in using Microsoft Excel. 

So, if you know how to use Microsoft Excel, check out there and find jobs that you can easily do. This will give you extra money for your travel. 

Parting Shot 

When you decide to take jobs on your vacation, remember to take tasks that you can complete. No one will pay you if you can’t deliver on time and quality work.