The history of South Carolina's thriving upstate

Since the Cherokee Nation hunted the verdant hills in what is now known as Greenville County, South Carolina, the search for economic prosperity has defined the history of this thriving Upstate region and its expanding urban center. In a sweeping chronicle of the city and county, A. V. Huff traces Greenville's business tradition as well as its political, religious, and cultural evolution.

Huff describes the area's Revolutionary War skirmishes, early settlement, and mix of diversified agriculture, small manufacturing operations, and summer resorts. Calling Greenville atypical of much of the antebellum South, the author tells of the strong Unionist sentiment, relative unimportance of slavery, and lack of staple agriculture in the region. He recounts Greenville's years of Reconstruction, textile leadership, depression, and postwar industrial diversification.

In addition to tracing Greenville's economic growth, Huff identifies the region's other hallmarks, including the fierce independence of its residents. He assesses Greenville's peaceful end to segregation, strong evangelical Protestant tradition, conservative arts programs, and influential role in South Carolina politics.