Reedy River Falls Historic Park and Greenway

Reedy River Falls Historic Park and Greenway, now known as Falls Park, runs along both banks of Reedy River from the falls to Church Street, in Greenville, South Carolina.[2][3]

Reedy River Falls Historic Park and Greenway
LocationBoth banks of Reedy River from the falls to Church St., Greenville, South Carolina
Coordinates34°50′40″N 82°24′4″W
Area8 acres (3.2 ha)
6 acres (2.4 ha) increase
Built1812
NRHP reference No.73001711[1] (original)
78003205[1] (increase)
Significant dates
Added to NRHPApril 23, 1973
Boundary increaseNovember 17, 1978

[4]

History

Before the arrival of Europeans, Cherokees settled the area around the Reedy River. The first white settlements occurred in 1777, and the city of Greenville grew around the river when mills harnessed its power. Evidence of the mills can still be seen along the river today. Furman University built a campus nearby in 1850.

Reedy River Falls Preservation

In 1907 the first idea of turning Reedy River Falls into a park was introduced. This idea had been ruined when the city began to become industrialized. Industries and even individuals used the river as a dump for waste and trash. The actual pollution hadn't ceased until the 1960s. Furman donated the land needed to set aside to begin Reedy River Falls Historic Park and Greenway. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.[1]

The development of Falls Park began in the 1990s when a developer proposed the concept of turning the park into a regional attraction. The development of the park began with a budget of 13,000,000 and was funded through the City of Greenville Hospitality Tax.

Description of Falls Park

Falls Park is located right in the center of Greenville County. This area has become known as Downtown Greenville and is a huge attraction with its citizens. The area today is filled with thousands of stores and restaurants. The park now includes a bridge known as Liberty Bridge and brings together many different types of greenery and benches, and different trails throughout the park.

See also

References

  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. Thomas, Charles; Carol Stevens (February 7, 1973). "Reedy River Falls Historic Park and Greenway" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  3. Thomas, Charles; CaroGeorgianna Graham (February 17, 1978). "Reedy River Falls Historic Park and Greenway" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  4. "Reedy River Falls Historic Park and Greenway, Greenville County (along the banks of the Reedy River, Greenville)". National Register Properties in South Carolina. South Carolina Department of Archives and History. Retrieved 8 July 2012.


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