Graniteville Historic District

National Register Listing

Street Address:

SC 19 and Gregg St., Graniteville, SC (Aiken County)

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NRHP Nomination Form

Record Number:

S10817702011

Description and Narrative:

The Graniteville Historic District consists of the Graniteville Canal, which dates to 1846; the original two and one-half story Graniteville Mill constructed of locally quarried granite and completed in 1849; twenty-six original workers’ houses in Early Gothic Revival style, most of whose exteriors are virtually unaltered; nine other units of early mill housing; the 1847 Graniteville Academy where operatives children were educated at company expense; and the Early Gothic Revival St. John’s Methodist Church, designed by Charleston architect E.B. White and completed in 1849. Most of these structures were either constructed by William Gregg or under his close supervision, and many still retain much of their original architectural vitality. While building the mill, Gregg supervised construction of a company town, thus bringing into existence the first typical southern mill village. By providing cheap housing, free schools, churches, and stores and by maintaining personal supervision over the morals and everyday lies of his operatives, Gregg established a pattern that would be emulated by scores of cotton mill owners throughout the region. Listed in the National Register June 2, 1978; Designated a National Historic Landmark June 2, 1978.

Period of Significance:

1867;19th century;1845 – 1867

Level of Significance:

National

Area of Significance:

Community Planning and Development;Industry;Social History

National Register Determination:

National Historic Landmark

Date of Certification:

June 2 1978

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