Like many Southern towns, Greenville has a long and rich history.  Greenville began in 1770 as a plantation established around what is now downtown Greenville - specifically East Court & South Main.  By 1786, other settlers had come to Greenville and Greenville County was established.

Interestingly enough. one of the reasons Greenville thrived initially was its long distance from Charleston.  Charleston was one of the most important cities in young America and was home to some of the most wealthy men in America.  While Charleston was a great place to live and work, disease was ripe thanks to the hot and humind summer climate on the coast.  As such, many low country planters made the Upstate (and Greenville) a home away from home.   Because of the alure of the Blue Ridge Mountains and more importantly the lack of malaria, Charleston's elite came to appreciate the pleasant atmosphere and climate of living in the foothills.