Travelers Rest, nestled in northern Greenville County, South Carolina, boasts a rich history that intertwines with the very fabric of the region. Long before Greenville County took its modern form, and even while the land was still Cherokee territory, intrepid settlers began establishing farms in this promising area. A pivotal moment arrived in 1794 with the completion of a wagon road stretching from Knoxville and Asheville into Greenville. This thoroughfare transformed Travelers Rest into a vital stop for drovers herding livestock from Tennessee to market. Inns sprung up to accommodate these travelers, offering rest and fenced pens for their cattle – giving the town its evocative name.
The burgeoning community of Travelers Rest, SC County, continued to develop throughout the 19th century. Churches became cornerstones of social life, and the establishment of a post office in 1808 marked a significant step in formalizing the settlement. Education became a priority, with a high school opening its doors in 1883. The arrival of the “Swamp Rabbit Railway” in 1888 further cemented Travelers Rest’s importance, connecting it more closely to the wider region. The pleasant climate and scenic beauty also attracted visitors. Wealthy Charlestonians sought refuge from the oppressive summer heat, finding respite in establishments like the Spring Park Inn. Interestingly, this period also saw a brief division within the community as some northern residents attempted to form their own town named “Athens,” though this separation was short-lived, and the community reunited by the turn of the century.
The 20th century ushered in a new era for Travelers Rest, SC County, with industrial development taking center stage, most notably the rise of textile mills. Like many areas in Greenville County, Travelers Rest experienced population growth, yet it managed to retain its strong sense of community and historical identity. Even today, revitalization efforts in the downtown area promise to honor this heritage while paving the way for a vibrant future.
The spirit of community and progress is clearly exemplified in the history of the Travelers Rest library. The seeds of public library service were sown in the early 1900s when Mrs. Thomas Coleman opened a small library in her home near Travelers Rest. Recognizing the growing need for accessible reading materials, the bookmobile began weekly visits to the town in 1927. However, the demand for library services continued to outpace these provisions.
This need culminated in the opening of a dedicated library branch on November 21, 1961. The Greenville County Library provided books and a librarian, establishing a presence in three upstairs rooms generously offered by the Savings and Loan on Main Street. Initially open three days a week, this small branch served as a vital resource for the community. A decade later, the library expanded to more spacious storefront quarters down the street, reflecting its growing popularity and usage.
Despite the increased space, the library faced new challenges. Limited parking and the aging building underscored the urgent need for a modern facility. The community rallied to support the library, with funds flowing in from various sources, including a significant donation from the Sargent Foundation. Local garden clubs contributed to creating a beautiful “Southern Reading Garden,” enhancing the library’s ambiance with a sculpture of a child reading, crafted by local artist Zan Wells. This collective effort culminated in the opening of the new Sargent Branch on September 22, 1996.
The Sargent Branch holds a unique position as the only library branch in the northern part of Greenville County. Its service area extends far, reaching patrons all the way to the North Carolina border, making it a crucial informational and cultural hub for a wide swath of Travelers Rest, SC County, and beyond. From its humble beginnings as a wagon stop to its thriving present, Travelers Rest continues to embody a spirit of community and growth, with the Sargent Branch Library serving as a testament to this enduring legacy.
Sources:
- Batson, Mann. The Upper Part of Greenville County, South Carolina. Taylors, SC: Faith Printing, 1993.
- Huff, Jr., A.V. “Travelers Rest.” In The South Carolina Encyclopedia. Ed. Walter Edgar. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 2006. p. 977.
- Goodlett, Mildred W. The History of Travelers Rest. Easley, SC: Southern Historical Press, 1966.
- “A Quiet Place in TR: Reading Garden Built at Library,” Greenville News, June 12, 1997, p. 2D.
- “Travelers Rest Gets County Library Unit,” Nov. 21. 1961. p. 8.
