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EXISTING CONDITIONS Historic Culture Rock Hill has an abundance of historic and architecturally significant buildings and areas that contribute to the City’s rich cultural heritage. The City has recognized the need for increased historic preservation efforts to ensure that community identity and character are maintained. We are committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing buildings, places and areas that possess particular historic or architectural significance in order to promote the educational, cultural and economic welfare of its residents and visitors.

Historical Overview Rock Hill earned its name in 1852, when rail crews constructing a rail line connecting Charlotte, North Carolina to Columbia, South Carolina encountered a small, flinty hill and dubbed the spot “Rock Hill.” Later that year, the first U.S. Post Office in the area was opened. These events are generally recognized as the birth of the City; however, it was not until 1870 that Rock Hill was offically incorporated as a town. In 1892, it was granted a full city charter by the State Legislature. Before Rock Hill was established, the area was inhabited by Catawba Indians, a populous eastern Siouan tribe that built their homes along the waterfront and made their living by hunting, farming and fishing. The earliest known European explorers included Hernando De Soto in 1542 and Juan Padro’s expedition of 1566-1567 in search of Spanish Mexico. It was not until the mid 1700s that the first white settlers, Scots-Irish Presbyterians including some Germans and Welsh, began to populate present-day York County, migrating from Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland via the Great Wagon Road. Population in the area grew steadily over the next centennial as demand for local agriculture and cotton production increased with many settlers relocating from Charleston and other coastal towns, however, the Civil War briefly slowed the area’s rapid expansion. Many residents became casualties of war, though very little military action took place in the area. The area also suffered socially and economically. With the abolition of slavery, large plantations became obsolete, racial tensions grew and few paying jobs were to be had. The first white settlement within the present-day Rock Hill city limits was in the Ebenezer Road area and grew up around the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church which was established in 1785 and originally known as Indian Land Church. The Ebenezer Academy Post Office was established in 1822 and renamed to Ebenezerville in 1837. By the mid 1800s, plans were developed to build the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad tracks east of the Ebenezer community to appease protests from residents about potential noise, soot, and danger to children. This area became the central business district of Rock Hill. The town of Ebenezer was incorporated in 1893; however, it became a part of the City of Rock Hill in 1960. Spurred by the invention of the steamboat and trend toward regional passenger and freight rail systems, upstate Sourth Carolina towns soon became regional trade centers. Rock Hill’s economic condition drastically improved through the late nineteeth century, as industry shifted from farming to textile manufacturing. Some of the developments that boosted the area’s economy include the introduction of the first steam-powered mill in the state in the late 1880s, the City’s first coal burning electric plant in 1890; the merger of the railroad into a national network to form the Southern Railway in 1894; and the completion of the Catawba Dam and Power Plant in 1904. These technological and economic advancements spurred commerical and residental growth. By 1907, Rock Hill was home to several textile mills, more than 12,000 residents, and three institutes of higher education.

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Rock Hill continued to experience extensive growth and development in the early twentieth century as area business owners began venturing into other industries besides textile manufacturing. One of the most notable was the Anderson Motor Company, the first automobile manufacturer in the south. While most of the nation faced significant unemployment during the Great Depression, Rock Hill industry and mill owners devised ways to retain employees during these difficult times by reducing wages and increasing production– actions which led to significant labor unrest. Despite the economic instability of the 1930s, progress continued in Rock Hill. Post World War II, manufacturing played a major role in the growth and prosperity of Rock Hill as textile mills, food and lumber production companies grew to more than five thousand employees. Between 1945 and 1950, war veterans returned to the area and began expanding their families. To accommodate this new growth, the City voted to invest $3M to extend infrastructure to the rapidly spreading suburbs. This housing boom marked Rock Hill as the fastest growing city in South Carolina. By the mid 1950s, demand for housing slowed and nearby shopping and employment opportunities drew people away from downtown. Manufacturing plants began to close as demand for textile products declined and the country’s dependence on foreign imports increased. Rock Hill also faced considerable social change as a result of the Civil Rights Movement. In 1954, St. Anne’s Catholic Church’s elementary school became the first integrated school in Rock Hill, though public schools did not become fully integrated until 1970. Sit-ins and a major bus boycott brought national attention to Rock Hill. The 1970s brought even more social change with the city’s first African American lawmaker and councilmen elected since Reconstruction. By the 1970s and 1980s, technological advances brought the closure of most of the prominent textile structures throughout the City, decentralizing and shifting the City’s employment center to the suburbs. Rock Hill became the focus of several urban renewal projects through the 1970s. Plans were developed to transform the City’s core into a more intense, modernized pedestrian shopping mall, but the newly constructed improvments only exacerbated its economic deterioration. By the mid 1980s, Rock Hill lost its textile manufacturing industry and experienced economic decline with the near complete abandonment of its downtown business district. Despite the decline of downtown, Rock Hill as a whole continued to grow through the 1980s and 1990s. Businesses and housing developments emerged as new residents relocated to Rock Hill for its relatively low cost of living and proximity to Charlotte, North Carolina. But, city leaders soon realized that a community-wide strategic plan was needed to address the impacts of growth. Urban sprawl strained city services while the changing economic and demographic character of the City reshaped its identity. In 1988, the City joined forces with other local agencies to prepare a citywide strategic plan called “Empowering the Vision” (ETV). Through the ETV planning process and its 1995 update entitled “Empowering the Community” (ETC), the City collaborated with citizens and stakeholders to develop strategies towards improving the cultural environment, the education system, infrastructure, green spaces, and the City's image in the metropolitan area; promoting economic development; and preserving the City's

Main Street, 1895 Main Street, 1920s Main Street, 2008 Vision 2020: The Comprehensive Plan for Rock Hill 11/22/2010 VI-5

VI. Cultural Resources Element history. An evaluation completed at the end of the ten year implementation period in 1999 highlighted the plans’ success through the dozens of major projects implemented by the ETV and ETC sponsors, programs, and forged partnerships. Through the early part of the 2000s, Rock Hill continued to see a boom in housing growth. But, towards the end of the decade, the effects of a national economic crisis began to trickle down locally causing new construction starts to begin to falter. In an effort to restore economic stability and social vitality to the urban core, the City turned to public and The Land Use Element public/private partnership projects to revitalize and stabilize the describes the existing downtown areas, particularly the textile corridor and adjacent land use patterns and neighborhoods hardest hit by the loss of the textile industry. development forms that Initiatives include the restoration, rehabilitation and reuse of form the different existing buildings, new infill housing, restoration and conversion of character areas of the existing textile mills for senior housing, and inclusion of mixed City. uses. It is through the continued investment in Rock Hill’s cultural heritage that the City maintains its identity.

Historic Sites and Districts Rock Hill is committed to preserving and protecting structures that represent valuable examples of period architecture and/or represent significant historical events. In August 2004, the City completed an update to the 1988 Historic Resources Survey documenting historic architectural resources in Rock Hill. The updated survey documented all properties that had become 50 years old since the 1988 survey; surveyed properties located in areas annexed into the city limits since 1988; and recorded historic resources located in the Main Street Corridor, but outside the existing Downtown Historic District, including those in the Old White Home, Project of Historic Rock Hill Town Renaissance Planning Area. In addition to providing an inventory of all surveyed properties, the 2004 Historic Resources Survey Update contains an overview of the historical development of the City, a discussion of prevalent architectural styles, and a list of recommendations for National Register eligibility and local designation. To be eligible for historic designation, structures must be at least 50 years old and have significance in a local, statewide and national context or architectural period style. In total, more than 250 properties have been designated as historic, and about 200 of these are considered to be contributing properties. Local Role in Historic Preservation In 1989, the City created the Board of Historic Review (BHR) to support the City’s historic preservation efforts and administer the City’s historic regulations. The BHR is responsible for recommending standards or guidelines for the identification and designation of historic properties and districts as well as reviewing plans for renovation, alteration, removal or demolition of historic structures and the construction of new structures within identified historic areas. Other responsibilities include surveying and identifying historic properties, and reviewing and recommending properties or sites to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The Board also advises and assists property owners on the physical and financial aspects of preservation, renovation, rehabilitation, and reuse of historic buildings and properties. State Role in Historic Preservation The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) was established in 1969 to implement the objectives of the National Preservation Act of 1966, which extended federal support to state and local historic preservation efforts. The SHPO, a program of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, receives federal funds for historic preservation from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service. The Office is responsible for identifying, recording, and assisting in preservation of historic and prehistoric resources throughout the state.

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The State Historic Preservation Office is also charged with developing, and revising as needed, a statewide historic preservation plan. The plan guides the work of the State Historic Preservation Office, but it also provides a vision for historic preservation in the state. The plan was revised and published in 2007.

The SHPO works with individuals, organizations and governments to identify, recognize and preserve structures and sites that have played a part in South Carolina history through the following programs:

 Statewide Survey of Historic Properties – The records for the Statewide Survey are housed at the Department of Archives and History. SHPO maintains information from historic surveys conducted since the mid-1980s in Geographic Information System (GIS) data layers.  National Register of Historic Places in South Carolina – The SHPO coordinates the nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places and submits the applications to the National Park Service, under the Secretary of the Interior, to be maintained.  South Carolina Historical Markers – The SHPO approves all inscriptions for South Carolina Historical Markers.  Assistance to Local Governments – The SHPO provides information and training to help local governments design and implement local preservation programs to safeguard historic properties. Communities can elect to become Certified Local Governments (CLGs) and participate in a federal-state-local partnership. CLGs receive technical assistance and can apply for preservation grant funds.  Tax Incentives – The SHPO staff helps historic property owners meet the standards required under the federal and state tax credits programs. Tax incentives are available for rehabilitation of historic owner-occupied and income producing properties.  Grants – The SHPO administers matching federal grants for preserving historic properties. Grants range from $1,500 to $25,000 and can fund historical/architectural surveys, National Register nominations, preservation planning projects and preservation education efforts. Also, CLGs are eligible for “bricks and mortar” grants for stabilizing historic buildings or structures or protecting them from the adverse effects of the weather.

Williams Gulf Station, Project of Historic Rock Hermon Presbyterian Church Locally Designated Historic Sites and Districts Local historic designation of districts, buildings and landmarks helps preserve the historic character and identity of an area while supporting property values, promoting heritage tourism, and preserving natural resources through the conservation of building materials. Requests for exterior renovation or demolition must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Historic Review in accordance with the Rock Hill Historic Preservation Ordinance and must meet criteria specified in the Historic Design Review Guidelines Manual.

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There are six locally designated historic districts as well as an expanding list of locally classified sites located within Rock Hill (see Map 6.1). A list of the locally designated historic districts and sites is provided in Table 6.1. Table 6.1: Rock Hill Locally Designated Historic Sites and Districts District/Site Location

Charlotte Avenue/Aiken Avenue Generally includes properties located on Charlotte Avenue, Aiken Avenue, and Historic District College Avenue north of Union Avenue Marion Street Area Historic District Generally includes properties located on Johnston Street, Marion Street, Green Street and Center Street between Hampton Street and Saluda Street Oakland Avenue Historic District Generally includes properties located on Oakland Avenue between North Wilson Street and Sumpter Avenue Reid Street/North Confederate Avenue Generally includes properties located on East Main Street, East White Street, Area Historic District North Confederate Avenue, Reid Street and Pendleton Street between Elizabeth Lane and North Jones Avenue Rock Hill Downtown Historic District Generally includes properties located on East Main Street, East White Street, Caldwell Street, Elk Avenue, Oakland Avenue and St. John’s Court between East Black Street and the Railway Winthrop Historic District Generally includes properties on the Winthrop University Campus located on Oakland Avenue between Charlotte Avenue, Stewart Avenue and Cherry Road

Afro-American Insurance Building 538 South Dave Lyle Boulevard Anderson-Gill House 227 Oakland Avenue Avery-Williams-Bishop House 1772 Ebenezer Road Caldwell House 306 West Main Street Dr. William W. Fennell House 334 North Confederate Avenue Ebenezer Academy 2132 Ebenezer Road Ebenezer-Manse House 1902 Ebenezer Road First Presbyterian Church 234 East Main Street Gilbert Lazenby House* 313 North Wilson Street Harper-Holler House 228 West Main Street Hermon Presbyterian Church 446 South Dave Lyle Boulevard Highland Park Manufacturing Plant 869 Standard Street & 732/737 East White Street and Cotton Oil Complex Ketchin-Neely-Long/Longwood Hall 1858 Ebenezer Road McCallum House 1657 Ebenezer Road McCorkle-Fewell-Long House 639 College Avenue McCosh House 234 East Black Street Mt Prospect Baptist Church 339 West Black Street New Mt Olivet AME Zion 527 South Dave Lyle Boulevard Richards House 1804 Ebenezer Road Rock Hill Cotton Factory 300 Chatham Street Shurley Mickle House 1544 Ebenezer Road Smith-Matthews House 1865 Ebenezer Road Springsteen Plantation Site* 803 Augustus Lane Williams Bynum Cotton Warehouse* 122 Southern Street & 302 Dave Lyle Boulevard Williams Gulf Station 122 South Oakland Avenue

* Recognized as historic, but not officially designated to date.

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Map 6.1: Rock Hill Locally Designated Historic Sites and Districts

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Historic Sites and Districts on the National Register The National Register of Historic Properties is the list of individual sites, structures, objects and districts, deemed important in American history, culture and architecture or archeology. It is a federal honorary designation administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. While buildings on the National Register may be eligible for tax incentives and grants, they are only minimally protected from adverse changes or demolition. According to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Rock Hill currently has five historic districts; seventeen historic properties; and one historic complex listed on the National Register (see Map 6.2). These districts and sites are detailed in Table 6.2. Table 6.2: Rock Hill Historic Sites and Districts on the National Register District/Site Location Date Placed on Register Charlotte Avenue/Aiken Avenue 7 contributing properties and 2 noncontributing properties on 6/10/92 Historic District Charlotte Avenue and Aiken Avenue Marion Street Area Historic 29 contributing properties and 6 noncontributing properties on 6/10/92 District Johnston Street, Marion Street and Center Street Reid Street/North Confederate 23 contributing properties and 9 noncontributing properties on East 6/10/92 Avenue Area Historic District Main Street, East White Street, Reid Street, North Confederate Avenue Rock Hill Downtown Historic 12 contributing properties on East Main Street, East White Street, 6/24/91 District Caldwell Street, Oakland Avenue and St. John’s Court Winthrop Historic District 20 contributing properties and 1 noncontributing property 4/23/87 (aggregated into 3 properties) along a portion of Oakland Avenue, between Cherry Road and Stewart Avenue on the Winthrop University campus Afro-American Insurance 538 South Dave Lyle Boulevard 6/10/92 Building Anderson-Gill House 227 Oakland Avenue 5/13/82

Bleachery Water Treatment Plant Stewart Avenue 3/6/08

Ebenezer Academy 2132 Ebenezer Road 8/16/77

First Presbyterian Church 234 East Main Street 6/10/92

Hermon Presbyterian Church 446 South Dave Lyle Boulevard 6/10/92

Laurelwood Cemetery Bordered by Laurel Street, West White Street, Stewart Street and 7/31/08 West Main Street McCorkle-Fewell-Long House 639 College Avenue 8/21/80

Mt Prospect Baptist Church 339 West Black Street 6/10/92

People’s National Bank Building 131-133 East Main Street 3/25/99

Rock Hill Body Company 601 West Main Street 3/6/08

Rock Hill Cotton Factory 300 Chatham Street 6/10/92 & 3/6/08 Stokes-Mayfield House 353 Oakland Avenue 5/17/84

Tillman Hall Winthrop University, 1894 Alumni Drive 12/2/77

U.S. Post Office and Courthouse 201 East Main Street (formerly, 102 Main Street) 1/21/88 (Caldwell Street Post Office ) White Home 258 White Street 12/2/69

Withers Building Winthrop University, 611 Myrtle Drive 8/20/81

Highland Park Manufacturing 869 Standard Street & 732/737 East White Street 6/10/92 Plant and Cotton Oil Complex

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Map 6.2: Rock Hill Historic Sites and Districts on the National Register

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Historic Preservation Incentives City of Rock Hill Preservation Tax Incentive - The City Council has established tax incentives for both owner-occupied and income producing properties that meet certain criteria. Eligible properties, as certified by the City, may receive a special tax credit for a ten year period based upon the appraised value of the property prior to rehabilitation. This encourages historic property upkeep and ensures that improvements are consistent with the Standards for Rehabilitation outlined by the Secretary of Interior. Additional information is available through the City of Rock Hill Planning & Development Department. York County Preservation Tax Incentive – York County has established tax incentives for both owner-occupied and income producing properties that meet certain criteria. Eligible properties, as certified by the County, may receive a special tax credit for a ten year period based upon the appraised value of the property prior to rehabilitation. This encourages historic property upkeep and ensures that improvements are consistent with the Standards for Rehabilitation outlined by the Secretary of Interior. Additional information is available through the York County Planning & Development

Services Department. Laurelwood Cemetery South Carolina Historic Rehabilitation Incentives  State Textile Mills Tax Incentive – The 2004 South Carolina Textiles Communities Revitalization Act authorized a credit against local property taxes equal to 25 percent of rehabilitation expenses or an equivalent state income tax credit for eligible abandoned buildings formerly uses as textile manufacturing facilities or for ancillary uses. Additional information is available through the State Historic Preservation Office and South Carolina Department of Archives and History and the Coordinating Council for Economic Development.  State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit for Owner Occupied Residences – Property owners who rehabilitate their historic homes may be eligible to claim 25 percent of the costs for repairs and renovations over $15,000 from state income taxes. Additional information is available through the State Historic Preservation Office.  25% State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit – A 25 percent state income tax credit for qualified rehabilitation expenses is available for owner-occupied certified historic residential structures listed on the National Register of Historic Properties. Additional information is available through the State Historic Preservation Office and South Carolina Department of Archives and History.  10% State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit – A 10 percent state income tax credit for qualified rehabilitation expenses is available for income-producing certified historic structures that also qualify for the 20 percent federal income tax credit. Additional information is available through the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service. Federal Historic Rehabilitation Incentives  20% Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit for Income Producing Properties – Property owners of income-producing properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Properties either individually or as a contributing property to an historic district are eligible to apply for a 20 percent Federal income tax credit for rehabilitation costs. Additional information is available through the State Historic Preservation Office, Internal Revenue Service, and the National Park Service.

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 10% Federal Non-Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit for Income Producing Properties – Property owners of income-producing properties built before 1936 that are not listed on the National Register of Historic Properties either individually or as a contributing property to an historic district are eligible to apply for a 10 percent Federal income tax credit for rehabilitation costs of non-residential uses. Additional information is available through the State Historic Preservation Office, Internal Revenue Service, and the National Park Service.  Federal Income Tax Credit for Low Income Housing – The Internal Revenue Service Tax Reform Act of 1986 created an income tax credit for the acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of low income housing. This can be used in conjunction with the 20 percent Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit to rehabilitate historic buildings into low income housing units. Additional information is available through the State Housing Finance and Development Authority.  Federal Income Tax Incentives for Easement Donations – Property owners of income- producing or owner occupied residences listed on the National Register of Historic Properties either individually or as a contributing property to an historic district who donate an easement are eligible for income and estate tax deductions. Additional information is available through the State Historic Preservation Office, the National Park Service, Palmetto Conservation Foundation, and Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation.

Walker House, 343 East White Street, Project of Historic Rock Hill – before and after renovations

Historic Preservation Programs Historic Preservation Grants – The Historic Preservation Grants program is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office and funds are annually awarded to projects within Certified Local Governments (CLGs) only. There are two categories of projects: Survey and Planning Projects and Stabilization Projects. These 50/50 matching grant awards, which typically range from $2,500 to $25,000, provide financial support for preservation projects. Project work must be carried out by professionals and is subject to review and approval by the SHPO. All work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s "Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation" and SHPO's guidelines and standards. Grantees are responsible for matching dollar for dollar with the grant, which is then reimbursed after the project is approved and reviewed. The matching funds, with some exception, must come from non-federal sources. The grantees are selected competitively through review of merit and outlined criteria. Selected applicants are ranked by merit by the reviewers (SHPO staff) and are given funding accordingly until funding is depleted. York County Forever – The York County Forever Commission was established by the York County Council in 1998 as a way to promote and protect the county’s significant natural, cultural, historic and environmental resources. Its goal is to put in trust one acre of land for every acre that is commercially developed. The Commission forges partnerships with other agencies to facilitate the preservation of land and resources. The organization has worked in partnership with Historic Rock Hill purchase and raise funds towards restoration of the historic White Home.

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Historic Rock Hill – Historic Rock Hill is a local non-profit organization committed to the preservation of homes and commercial properties that have historical significance in Rock Hill. Established in 1986 as the Mid-Town Preservation Association, Historic Rock Hill works with the local government, public corporations and private citizens to find funds for restoration and/or new uses for the properties. Successful completed projects include the Williams Gulf Station on Oakland Avenue, as well as historic homes located on Green Street, Marion Street, and East White Street.

Historical Marker Program – The South Carolina Historical Marker Program was authorized in 1905 and officially established in 1936. This program marks places that represent important elements of South Carolina’s past, either as sites of significant events, or historic properties for their design, or for their association within institutions or individuals significant in local, state, or national history. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History has approved and erected more than 1,000 markers throughout the state. In Rock Hill Historical Markers are often initiated through individuals, committees, or local civic groups, such as the Cultural and Heritage Museums (CHM). Applicants work with the Rock Hill Board of Historical Review and the community to get support behind the markers and to coordinate marker location and text content. Some of the notable markers include the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse/Citizen’s Building on East Main Street; Rock Hill Railroad Depots and Street Railway located at the Good Kia Car Lot; the City of Rock Hill on East Main Street; Black Plantation/Hampton Campaign on Black Street; Andrew Jackson Hotel/Vernon Grant on East Main Street; First Presbyterian Church/Church Leaders on East Main Street, and the McCrory’s Civil Rights Sit-Ins/“Friendship Nine” “Friendship Nine” Historical Marker marker on East Main Street.

Archaeological Resources Archaeological resources play an important role in defining Rock Hill’s history, providing us with a glimpse into the lives and cultures of early local societies. Identification and preservation of archaeological artifacts is challenging. Unlike historic buildings and structures which are clearly visible and catalogued, archaeological resources are typically discovered during development of undisturbed land. Several South Carolina State Departments are charged with protecting and preserving archeological resources. The South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office plays an important role in protecting the state’s archaeological heritage through its involvement in the environmental review process. As an advisory agency, the SHPO’s primary responsibility is to consult with federal and state agencies about possible historic properties, which include significant archaeological sites. The agency makes recommendations regarding the need for Catawba River Archeological Excavation, 6/07 archaeological investigations prior to construction; site significance; and mitigation and preservation plans for significant sites that could be damaged by construction activities. The SHPO reviews and comments on all reports produced in compliance with state and federal laws. It is also responsible for maintaining records for the compliance-related projects and files for sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places. However, it does not manage or maintain the State’s archaeological site files. The South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology (SCIAA), a University of South Carolina research institute, serves as the main State agency concerned with South Carolina's

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Prehistoric and Historic Archaeology, and its discovery, study, revelation, and official safekeeping at a curatorial facility. The SCIAA Division of Underwater Archaeology conducts compliance surveys for waterfront developments that might endanger underwater sites. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Heritage Trust Program was established in 1976 to inventory and preserve the state’s most significant natural and cultural resources. The Heritage Trust has an archaeologist on staff who works closely with other staff members, related agencies, and landowners to identify and protect significant archaeological sites in the state of South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (PRT) manages several of the State’s significant archaeological sites. In order to protect archeological sites from damage and preserve their integrity, the exact location of the sites cannot be disclosed to the public. Instead, archaeological site data is available from the SCIAA as raw counts per topographic quadrangle. Archaeological discoveries within the two quadrangles encompassing the City have included approximately 95 sites containing prehistoric artifacts and 98 sites containing artifacts from historic periods.

Museums Rock Hill Telephone Company Museum – 117 Elk Avenue Located in the heart of downtown Rock Hill, the Rock Hill Telephone Company Museum, or Comporium Museum, traces more than 100 years of telecommunication service to the area. Beginning with a video of the company’s origins, the tour encompasses the history of the company along with interactive exhibits of the technological advances that have kept it at the forefront of the telecommunications industry. In addition to its permanent programming, children attending the City’s annual Christmasville celebration can come to the museum and use a “special” phone to call directly to Santa and tell him their Christmas wishes. Comporium Museum

Museum of York County (MYCO) – 4621 Mt. Gallant Road The Museum of York County is part of a linked system of cultural institutions, known as the Culture and Heritage Museums, which also includes Historic Brattonsville, the McCelvey Center, and the planned Museum of Life and the Environment on the Catawba River in the Town of Fort Mill. The museums are managed by the York County Culture and Heritage Commission. Established in 1950 as the Children’s Nature Museum of Rock Hill, the Museum of York County is annually visited by more than 30,000 people. It features an array of exhibits and educational programs pertaining to natural history and science, cultural history, and the arts for all ages. The museum is home to the Stans African animal collection, which includes more than 200 full-mounted African animals; the Clifford collection of African art, featuring unique African art and artifacts; the Vernon Grant Gallery, which is devoted to the creator of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies® characters Snap! Crackle! And Pop!®; dioramas of historic Carolina Piedmont landscapes and wildlife, and the Settlemyre Planetarium, showcasing a state-of-the-art audio and visual exploration of the universe. A variety of educational programs and events are held throughout the year, such as Africa Alive!, Earth Day Birthday, and America Recycles Day.

Old Cotton Factory “Mini-Museum” – 300 Chatham Avenue The entrance hall of the newly renovated Old Cotton Factory overlooking Dave Lyle Boulevard and downtown Rock Hill features a small museum of textile history and Rock Hill manufacturing. The exhibit includes an old fabric loom as well as displays of historical photographs and artifacts highlighting the history of the Cotton Factory as the first steam-powered textile mill in South Carolina;

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Rock Hill’s textile and railroad industries; and the early history of downtown Rock Hill. Railroad tracks are set in cement in the rear walkway of the building marking the spot where railcars dropped off bails of cotton from a nearby rail line. Additionally, a 1921 Anderson automobile is being temporarily housed in the facility to commemorate the Rock Hill founded Anderson Motor Company for its distinction as being the first automobile manufacturer in the south. Once construction of the Culture and Heritage Museums of York County’s Museum of Life and the Environment is complete, the Anderson car will be relocated. Historic White Home and Gardens – 258 White Street Built in 1839 in what is now the Historic East Town Neighborhood of Rock Hill, SC, the White Home was one of the first homes built in Rock Hill. In 2005, Historic Rock Hill purchased the 3.35 acre property from the White family for the purpose of preserving its structure and grounds for future generations. The 2.5 million dollar restoration project included structural improvements and stabilization to the main house and several out-buildings as well as extensive landscaping upgrades to create a relaxing "garden park" environment. The White Home is a centerpiece for the community, hosting weddings, events, educational field trips and historical tours, acting as a window to the historic roots of Rock Hill. White Home Restoration Concept Plan

Future Downtown Children’s Museum – Downtown Rock Hill Plans are in the works for an interactive children’s museum in downtown Rock Hill. The Culture and Heritage Museums has secured funds to acquire space in the vacant lobby of the former People’s Bank Building and are now completing plans for construction. The museum is envisioned to include 3-D exhibits, colorful shapes and play equipment designed to honor the late local artist Vernon Grant. If the plan comes together, organizers expect to open in time for the city’s ChristmasVille festival in December 2010. For additional information about museum facilities, please refer to the Community Facilities Element.

Institutional Facilities & Programs Cultural resources also include many programs and services that are accessible to residents via an institution, such as the library, a church or synagogue, or through educational facilities. This section highlights the types of cultural opportunities available to residents and visitors in the Rock Hill area.

York County Library System The mission of the York County Library is to enrich and sustain the lives of the people of York County by providing library services that meet their informational, recreational, and lifelong learning needs. With an annual budget for 2009/2010 of $4,907,000, the library system consists of the main library, headquartered in downtown Rock Hill, with branches in Clover, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and York. Each library offers a unique array of special services and programs to York County residents. A Bookmobile provides additional service to nursing homes, daycares, and other locations throughout the York County community, including 31 scheduled stops in Rock Hill, as well as homebound and outreach services. The main library in Rock Hill features a number of unique services and programs. The Technology Center provides users with public access to 25 computer workstations for internet access, software

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VI. Cultural Resources Element for adults and children, and online research databases as well as free computer classes. The main library also offers a variety of free programs for adults, teenagers and children including visits from local authors and preschool story-time to theatre performances and Patchwork Tales Storytelling Festival, a three-day festival held annually in May. Located on the second floor, the Nan Weller Carson Local History Room contains a collection of local history resources about York County, South Carolina and the Catawba Indians. Materials in the room are not available for checkout or interlibrary loan; however, many of these valuable resources have been digitally scanned and are accessible online at the following website: www.ychistory.org. The library system offers an assortment of services to York County residents. Children's Services provides a full range of books, magazines, audio books, videos, and DVDs suitable for children from infancy through age 12. Specialty programming, such as weekly story times, after-school events, storytelling and services to parents or adults who work with children are also available. Children's outreach services are offered to child care providers, schools, and other agencies working with children. Young Adult Services serves youth ages 12-18 with teen-oriented books, magazines, and programs, such as the Teen Internet Cafe and the Teen Advisory Board. Live Homework Help® provides one-on-one online tutoring assistance to York County students in English, Math, Social Studies and Science by accessing the library website. SchoolRooms is an online multimedia resource to assist students with homework and school projects, as well as practical and relevant guides for parents, educators, and librarians. The Adult Outreach department provides outreach services to the elderly and incarcerated. In addition, all York County Library locations have a meeting room for use free of charge by non-profit organizations or community groups. General information about the York County library system (FY2008/2009) includes the following: Circulation: . Main 481,144 . Bookmobile 54,538 . Clover 62,694 . Fort Mill 278,915 . Lake Wylie 78,828 . York 118,926 . GRAND TOTAL 1,200,272 Door Count: 701,697 New Library Cards Issued: 17,934 Total Number of Library Cards: 92,693 Main Library Internet Sessions: 158,626 Questions Answered by A Librarian: 207,805 Total number of programs: 1,809 with 140,272 people attending Holdings: . Books 274,676 . Magazine Subscriptions 586 . Audio Books 8,861 . Videos/DVDs 8,791 . E-Books 39 . Databases 50 Number of Hours Open: 15,039

Friends of the York County Library is a non-profit organization that supports the York County Library system. Through membership dues, book sales, and special fund-raising activities, the Friends of the Library secures funding for non-budgeted library projects and programs. The group also partners with other agencies to sponsor various library events featuring nationally and internationally renowned storytellers, musicians, and other performing artists. Additional information about the York County Library System can be found on their website: www.yclibrary.org. For additional information about library facilities, please refer to the Community Facilities Element.

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Faith-Based Institutions The City of Rock Hill has more than 80 different faith-based institutions located throughout the jurisdiction for those who desire spiritual gatherings. These institutions represent a significant cultural resource for the area. As previously indicated in Tables 6.1 and 6.2, many churches and ancillary cemeteries within the city limits have historical significance. It is believed that the Ebenezer Associate Presbyterian Church, erected around 1785, was the first church established in the area. Although the original structure and several buildings later constructed have since been destroyed, the site is still actively used for church services. This site is also occupied by the Ebenezer Associate (Reformed) Ebenezer Academy, the oldest known school building standing Presbyterian Church, current day in York County. The adjacent cemetery has been used as a community burial ground since the time of the first settlement. The oldest marked grave is that of Stephen McCorkle who died on September 22, 1790. Houses of faith also serve to embrace diversity by including other cultures in their membership, offering church services in multiple languages, and providing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes and other resources to minorities to foster community relations. Religious leaders in the area host an annual interfaith prayer breakfast in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Most area churches and similar ministries offer a variety of musical and/or theatrical programs to enhance the spiritual needs and artistic growth of our community. Houses of worship located within the area are categorized into the following denominations:

 African Methodist  Christian  Interdenominational  Pentecostal Holiness Episcopal (AME) Zion

 Apostolic  Church of Christ  Jehovah’s Witnesses  Presbyterian

 Assembly of God  Church of God  Lutheran ELCA  Presbyterian PCA

 Associate Reformed  Church of God of  Lutheran  Seventh Day Adventist Presbyterian (A R P) Prophecy

 Baha’i  Church of Jesus Christ  Lutheran LCMS  The Wesleyan of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon)

 Baptist  Episcopal  Messianic  United Methodist

 Baptist, Independent  Evangelical Free  Nazarene  United Pentecostal Church

 Baptist, Southern  Holiness  Non-Denominational

 Catholic  Independent  Pentecostal

Several other religious organizations located in Rock Hill provide social services and minister to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the community. These include:  The Oratory, founded in 1934, is a community of 16 Catholic priests and brothers that serve York County's five Catholic churches, preaching and ministering to the members. Some of the regular programs offered through the facility include: The Oratory Religion Summer Camp for children, Oratory the Hispanic Ministry, seminars and retreats, the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Engaged Encounter of South Carolina.

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 Young Life is a non-denominational, Christian, non-profit organization dedicated to the spiritual growth of local teenagers. Programs include Club, Campaigners and Camp.  The Salvation Army is a worldwide evangelical Christian organization devoted to disaster relief, social services and other charitable causes. In addition to its local administration and social service offices and thrift store, the Rock Hill Salvation Army in partnership with York County Government, the City of Rock Hill and United Way of York County, opened a Warming Center in winter 2007, designed to provide warm shelter to homeless men in the area.

The Community Facilities Element includes additional Programs in Educational Institutions information about school facilities. Public School System: Rock Hill Schools– 660 North Anderson Road The mission of Rock Hill Schools is to provide students with challenging work that authentically engages them in the learning process and prepares them for successful futures. Nearly 18,000 students are enrolled in the 27 schools throughout the service area, including 16 elementary schools, as well as the Children’s School at Sylvia Circle, a state-funded Montessori school; five middle schools, three high schools, one applied technology center; and a public charter school, the Children’s Attention Home Charter School (K-8), which provides an intensive educational program with special emphasis placed on the psychosocial aspects and study skills for at-risk children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Rosewood Elementary International School has been designated an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) and uses a comprehensive approach to learning though an international curriculum taught through inquiry. Northside Elementary School of the Arts is one of five schools recognized nationally as a Creative Ticket School of Northside Elementary School of the Arts Excellence by the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network (KCAAEN) and the South Carolina Alliance of Arts Educators (SCAAE) for its exemplary arts education programs. Rock Hill Schools and the Arts Council of York County participate in the John F. Kennedy Center National Partners in Education program which partners cultural organizations and schools throughout the nation to expand their education programs with the primary focus on the education of teachers.

Rock Hill Schools also offers several alternative/focused learning school programs primarily at the Rock Hill Flexible Learning Center located at 1234 Flint Street Extension:  The Phoenix Academy offers a flexible, self-paced learning environment for high school students.  The Rebound Alternative School is designed for students in grades 5-8 who have demonstrated behavioral problems. Students are temporarily assigned to the Rebound Program and must show significant improvement within twelve weeks or the student is referred back to the home school for expulsion procedures.  Renaissance Academy, opened in March 2008, offers new options for high school students who have been suspended or expelled.  The Adult and Community Education Center provides responsive, accessible and flexible educational programs that prepare adult learners for the workforce or post-secondary education while ensuring an appreciation for cultural and ethnic diversity.

Other facilities in Rock Hill that offer alternative/focused learning school programs include the Central Child Development Center for pre-kindergarten students, and Parent Smart Family Resource Center,

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VI. Cultural Resources Element which offers a family-focused environment that welcomes culturally and socio-economically diverse families, with all services available in English and Spanish. Rock Hill Schools first magnet school program was fully implemented in the fall of the 2009-2010 school year. Sunset Park Elementary School was transitioned into the Center for Accelerated Studies at Sunset Park, a facility for the gifted and talented and designed with four distinguishing characteristics: acceleration and enrichment, elective courses, technology infusion, and extended instructional time. Additional information about Rock Hill Schools can be found on their website: www.rock- hill.k12.sc.us.

Private Schools Several private schools are located in Rock Hill including Shekinah Christian Academy (PK-12), Shield of Faith Christian Academy (PK-12), St. Anne School, (PK-8), and Westminster/Catawba Christian School (PK-12). These schools offer educational and other programs that integrate academic, arts, physical and spiritual instruction.

Higher Education: Clinton Junior College – 1029 Crawford Road Clinton Junior College (CJC) is a private, two year institution that offers an academic environment that not only promotes intellectual growth, but also fosters positive moral, ethical, and spiritual values. The College was founded in 1894 by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church to help eradicate illiteracy among black freedmen. Since then, Clinton Junior College has grown to serve nearly 100 students annually and offers degree programs in Business, Liberal Arts, Religious Studies, Early Childhood/Elementary Education, and Natural Sciences. Students typically come from diverse backgrounds; students enrolled in 2008 represented fourteen states, as well as two foreign countries. A 15,000 Clinton Junior College, Library square foot library was recently added to the campus and a study is currently being conducted to determine the feasibility of constructing an additional 64,000 square foot complex of buildings, including classrooms, offices, a health and athletic complex, and a fine arts building. A Student Support Services program provides special assistance to students through tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and training, as well as by providing guidance on transitioning to a four-year institution and additional services for students with disabilities. Clinton Junior College has been designated as a Church related, Historically Black Institution of higher learning, and as such as qualified to participate in HUD’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) program. Through the HBCU, Clinton has received grants to provide a range of community services to the surrounding “Old Town” neighborhood-such as a continuum of care for the homeless, adult basic education, job counseling, social and medical services, and fair housing.

Additional information about Clinton Junior College can be found on their website: www.clintonjuniorcollege.edu.

Specific information about the higher education institutions in Rock Hill is provided in the Community Facilities Element.

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York Technical College – 452 Anderson Road York Technical College originally opened in 1964 as the York County Technical Education Center with 60 students enrolled in seven programs of study. It has since grown to over 6,000 credit students in more than 80 credit programs. The campus consists of 15 buildings, including five classroom buildings, the Anne Springs Close Library; Student Services Building; two shop buildings, the Facilities Maintenance Building, Grounds Building; Child Development Center; the Student Center; and the Baxter M. Hood Continuing Education Center. In addition to offering academic programs, the College York Technical College, Arts & Science provides continuing education for approximately 7,000 Distance Learning Facility residents and more than 250 businesses in the community through distance learning opportunities; teleclasses; telecourses; online courses; hybrid courses; work-based learning; EXCELS for high school dual enrollment credit; and Clemson/USC/ETV televised course offerings. The federally funded Student Support Services (SSS) Trio Program provides personal and academic services to students. Program services include a textbook loan program, academic advising, financial aid assistance, tutoring, workshops, career planning, free cultural events, mentoring, and college transfer assistance. The College maintains a Special Resources Office providing disability services through the Learning Enhanced Achievement Program (LEAP) and special needs scholarships including the Adults-in-Transition and Challenge programs. The Child Development Center provides training for students in the area of Child Development and to provide quality child care services to students, faculty, and staff of York Technical College and the community. Additional information about York Technical College can be found on their website: www.yorktech.com.

Winthrop University – 114 Tillman Hall Winthrop University was founded in 1886 in Columbia, South Carolina for the purpose of training female teachers for the city school system. Since it moved to its permanent Rock Hill home in 1895, the school has grown from a single classroom to a comprehensive university of national distinction. The Main Campus is located on more than 100 acres in a historic district near downtown while a 360-acre nearby site known as “the Farm” serves as Winthrop’s recreational and research complex.

As of October 2007, a total of 6,241 students were enrolled in Winthrop University, Tillman Hall the University for the 2007-2008 school year including 5,097 undergraduates and 1,144 graduate and professional students. Forty-two states are represented in the student body, and Winthrop is also home to approximately 133 International students from 54 countries, with nearly 31 percent of the university’s population representing various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. “Flags on Alumni Drive” recognizes the University’s diverse international population as country flags are flown on both sides of the street between Cherry Road and Johnson Hall representing the countries of Winthrop graduates. A total of 41 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees, with more than 100 programs of study offered through concentrations and options, are available in the four colleges: College of Arts and Sciences; College of Business Administration; College of Visual and Performing Arts; and the Richard W. Riley College of Education. The University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts offers a variety of fully- accredited studies in dance, music, theatre and the visual arts and is the only program in the state to provide teacher licensure curricula in art, music, dance and theater. Winthrop’s unique public art program gives art and design students, as well as faculty and alumni, ongoing opportunities to create

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VI. Cultural Resources Element and fabricate temporary and permanent works for the university’s public spaces. Student music, dance and theatre performances are also held throughout the year. A variety of special student academic programs are available at Winthrop including: Academy 101 for freshmen; honors; National Student Exchange; international studies; academic theme floors within the residence halls; the Center for Career Development and Service Learning; Leadership Winthrop; Close Scholars; Model United Nations; peer mentoring; and New Start for adult learners. Academic resources can be obtained from the Ida Jane Dacus Library, the sixth largest academic library in South Carolina. More than 2,000,000 items including books, periodicals, microfilm, microfiche, and government documents can be accessed from the Library as well as the Dacus Online Catalog (DOC), which provides online access to these collections as well as other Internet sources. Tutoring services are also available at the Writing Center and Math Lab. The federally funded Student Support Services (SSS) Trio Program provides personal and academic services to students. Program services include academic counseling; individualized needs assessment and academic success plans, free tutorial services; program computer lab, financial aid counseling and referral, career development services; cultural/educational events, college success workshops, and advocacy. Through the Health and Counseling Services Program, students, faculty, and staff have access to a variety of services and professionals equipped to address their medical and counseling needs and Winthrop University, Carnegie Library related concerns. The program also offers services for students with disabilities. Winthrop offers an extensive range of extracurricular programs and social organizations to ensure an active student life and build relationships between and among students, faculty, alumni, and members of the community. Some of these include more than 180 clubs and organizations, eight sororities, eight fraternities, 17 men's and women's intercollegiate sports in the NCAA Division I Big South Conference: women's and men's basketball, tennis, golf, indoor and outdoor track, soccer and cross- country; women's softball and volleyball; and men's baseball. The Dinkins Student Union is in charge of programming extra-curricular entertainment for the Winthrop student body. Guest comedians, singers, bands, lecturers, and novelty acts perform at special events held each semester. The Office of Volunteer and Community Services provides co-curricular service opportunities for students, faculty and staff to utilize their talents in meeting community needs. The Office of Multicultural Student Life provides students, faculty and staff with several avenues through which they can enhance their knowledge about other cultures and diversity issues. The International Center provides campus information to prospective and current international students, immigration resources and international programs for faculty and staff, and opportunities for study abroad and national student exchange programs. Future Winthrop campus development plans for both the Main Campus and the Farm have been unveiled. Key components of the master plan include moving the “heart of campus” further south to incorporate the social center of the university grounds and making the campus more pedestrian and bicycle friendly through pavers, lighting, landscaping, arbors, banners, sculptures, swings, and courtyards which would tie into the proposed Downtown trolley system along the Norfolk Southern railway. Winthrop University, Withers Building Several major projects have been recently completed or are currently under construction. Owens Hall, a 32,200 square foot “SMART technology” classroom facility was completed in 2007. Also in 2007, the 137,000 square foot Lois Rhame West Health, Physical Education, and Wellness Center was completed, providing educational and recreational opportunities for the campus community in a safe, engaging environment promoting academic growth and healthy lifestyles. In 2007, the facility was awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for

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Winthrop’s environmental sustainability efforts in Green Building design and construction. Slated to open in fall 2010, the four-story 110,000 square foot DiGiorgio Campus Center features a two-story glass atrium containing a “smart wall” with updated campus news events, an outdoor plaza, coffee house, bookstore, office space, conference area, student activity spaces, food court, postal center, 400-seat multipurpose room, 28-seat private dining room and boardroom, and 225-seat movie theatre. The Carol Hall Auditorium was completed in 2009 and features classrooms and labs for students within the College of Business Administration, a 195-seat auditorium, and a stock trading floor. Other planned facilities at the Main Campus include a music library addition that will host music reference collections, listening booth spaces and informal gathering spaces for musicians, a proposed $45-million library containing contemporary collections and historic archives as well as on- line information resources, and a future science building. Future campus development is also proposed on the south side of Alumni Drive as well as an addition to the coliseum at the Farm Campus. Additional information about Winthrop University can be found on their website: www.winthrop.edu.

Winthrop University, Byrnes Auditorium

Multiculturalism Rock Hill proudly recognizes and promotes the contributions of the diverse cultural heritages and ancestries of all its people. City Council has established several committees and task forces to tackle diversity issues and promote cultural awareness. Rock Hill’s Committee on Human Relations was created in 1981 to promote the health, safety and general welfare of all citizens, and serves as a forum for the discussion of community issues and concerns. Some of the committee’s responsibilities are to promote positive human relations and reduce discrimination; assess and respond to the Human Relations needs of our community; and advocate and recognize change to promote respect, appreciation, and understanding of diversity among all people in the community. In 1989, the City appointed the “No Room for Racism” Committee to create a mindset where people of different cultures come together to eliminate racism. Through this program, Rock Hill has pledged to pursue truth and understanding between and among all people regardless of race, sex, color, religion or national origin. The role of the Rock Hill/York County MLK Task Force is to promote, encourage and inspire awareness, acceptance and appreciation among the community for the legacy and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to foster continuing commitment to Dr. King’s example of love, tolerance, nonviolence and social justice. The volunteer group advances the observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, including coordination of an annual MLK Day breakfast.

Catawba Indian Reservation One of the most significant cultural aspects of Rock Hill is its long history with the Catawba Indian Nation, once considered one of the most powerful eastern Siouan tribes and believed by scholars to be the aboriginal people of the Carolinas whose heritage can be dated to 2400 BC. The Catawba name is derived from the term Katapu, which means "fork in a river"; however, Catawba people usually refer to themselves Ye Iswa, which means "river people."

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Before the arrival of European colonists, the Catawba Nation numbered around 6,000 and encompassed nearly 55,000 square miles including most of South Carolina, central North Carolina, and southern Virginia. The first European to have contact with the Native American tribe (later confirmed to be the Catawba Indians) in present-day York County was the Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto while on a quest to find gold that eventually led him to the Mississippi River. Shortly after, Juan Pardo recorded his observation of the Catawba while on his 1566-1567 expedition. Due to constant warfare and smallpox epidemics, the Catawba population dwindled to less than 1,000 by 1760 and merely 110 by 1826. Today, approximately 2,200 names are included on the Catawba Indian Nation tribal roll. The last fluent speaker of the Catawba language died in 1996; however, efforts are currently underway to revive the language through new generations. The original Catawba Indian Reservation was a 630-acre site in the eastern part of York County along the Catawba River approximately eight miles east of the City of Rock Hill (see Map 6.3). After Tennessee refused to host a Catawba reservation in the mountains, South Carolina purchased this site in 1842 on land that was considered cheap and worthless by most people. A settlement was reached in 1993 between the Catawba Nation and local, state, and national governments after the Catawbas filed lawsuits to regain the 140,000 acres they believed were taken from them illegally in the 1840 Treaty of Nation Ford with Congress. The settlement provided for Federal tribe recognition and included $50 million for economic development, education, social services, and land purchases allowing them to expand the Reservation by as much as 4,200 acres.

Map 6.3: Catawba Indian Nation Location Map

The Catawba Cultural Preservation Project (CCPP) was formed in 1990 as a non-profit organization within the Catawba Cultural Center located on the Catawba Indian Reservation. Its mission is to preserve, promote and protect the rich cultural heritage of the Catawba Indian Nation. Programs range from tribal history and culture to archeology. Classes and tours are offered showcasing Native American dance and drumming, pottery, storytelling, and musical performances. The Catawba hold a yearly celebration called Yap Ye Iswa, or Day of the River People, with proceeds funding activities at the Cultural Center. Pottery and crafts are also available for purchase at the Center.

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Additional information about the Catawba Indian Nation can be found on their website: www.catawbaindiannation.com. Specific information about the Catawba Cultural Center can be found at: www.ccppcrafts.com.

Population characteristics and trends are detailed in the Population Element.

African-American Culture Few African-Americans inhabited the Upper Piedmont region prior to the American Revolutionary War. In fact, the first United States Census (1790) indicated that York County contained a population of 6,604 with 923 listed as slaves. With the introduction of the cotton gin in the 1790s, York County experienced significant growth, particularly in the black population, as slavery became an integral part of the economy. The cotton boom, which had a tremendous impact on the entire southeast, greatly influenced agriculture and slave holding patterns. Slave ownership increased significantly in York County between 1800 and 1860; by 1850, 40 percent of York County’s 15,000 residents were slaves. On the eve of the Civil War, the County’s population had grown to approximately 21,500, with almost half of the population documented as enslaved labor. Reconstruction after the Civil War was difficult. African-Americans had won their freedom, but the local economic structure was devastated. Without laborers to productively work large land holdings, many property owners were forced to sell off portions of their land to smaller farmers, drastically altering established agricultural patterns. Slavery gave way to a system of sharecropping and lien- cropping by landowners and merchants, both of which were inflexible and perpetuated an underdeveloped society of African-Americans. The vast majority of African-Americans lived by manual labor employed as servants, porters and unskilled day laborers that received subsistence wages and were afforded virtually no opportunities for the accumulation of property or upward mobility. As the Industrial Revolution dawned in the late nineteenth century, the Rock Hill area remained captive to a cotton-growing economy and a racially segregated ideology. Attitudes soon began to shift at the turn of the century, as Rock Hill began to establish itself as a community of vision, empowerment, and one taking charge of its future. The most profitable contribution African-Americans made to the development of Rock Hill has been the effort to secure economic independence through land acquisition and the establishment of business enterprises. The black community acquired considerable land holdings at this time, including a number of buildings in downtown on West Black Street as well as East Main Street. African-Americans operated several business establishments, such as pharmacies, barbershops, dentist offices and tailors, many of which served both white and black clientele. During the Reconstruction, religious institutions recognized the need to provide a high quality of education for black youth previously denied educational opportunity and established several schools in Rock Hill to help eradicate illiteracy among freemen. Hermon Presbyterian Church’s school is believed to have been the oldest black school in Rock Hill, followed by several others that were also established by local church congregations. It was not until 1920 that the Rock Hill public school system opened its first central graded school for black children with the construction of the Emmett Scott School. Two higher education facilities were founded and supported by the black community and have provided valuable educational opportunities for Rock Hill students. Friendship Institute (later, Friendship College), was founded in 1891 by the Baptist Convention of Chester and York Counties to train preachers and teachers as well as younger children. In the 1930s, a small library was established at the college to serve the black community since the City library was reserved for whites only. By 1978, Friendship College offered Bachelors Degrees in Accounting, Business Administration and Economics; however, the college closed its doors in 1981. The oldest operating educational institution in Rock Hill, now known as Clinton Junior College, was founded in 1894 by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and has operated continuously for 115 years. These two

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VI. Cultural Resources Element colleges have sponsored the works of many artists and continue to enrich Rock Hill with many cultural venues and programs. Although African-Americans faced hard economic conditions during the Depression of the 1930s, they were able to endure tough times by bonding as a community. Businesses in the black commercial district continued to succeed by offering a variety of professional services, restaurants, and places for entertainment. In addition, several clubs and dance halls opened along Black and Trade Streets. Most of these establishments thrived for decades, and it was not until the 1960s that many of these buildings were torn down through urban renewal projects to redevelop downtown and historic gathering places of the black community began to disappear. Although slavery had become illegal many years prior, racial segregation was still predominant through the 1940s and 1950s, especially in the southern states. The American civil rights movement of the 1960s greatly influenced the Rock Hill community as non-violent “sit-ins” became commonplace. Two significant protest events brought national attention to the City. In February 1961, a small group of African-American students from Friendship College, later known as The Friendship Nine, went to jail for staging a sit-in at the segregated McCrory’s lunch counter located on Main Street. The event gained nationwide attention because the men followed an untried strategy called “jail, no bail” that was emulated in other communities. Their imprisonment strongly influenced public opinion and was an McCrory’s Lunch Counter Sit-In, 6-12-60 historic step toward civil rights in a small Southern town and paved the way for de-segregation and acceptance of equal rights. Three months later, racially integrated groups of non-violent volunteers, known as Freedom Riders, boarded Greyhound and Trailways buses in Washington, D.C., and headed south to test the enforcement of a newly enacted ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court outlawing racial segregation in all interstate public facilities. They encountered little resistance in the Upper South; however, they were met with violence when they arrived at the Rock Hill Greyhound bus station. Battered, but undeterred, the young Freedom Riders continued on their journey and ultimately bolstered a movement of local black activists across the Deep South that helped to topple segregation nationwide. In January 2007, a state historical marker was erected at the McCrory’s site and part of the building was declared a permanent historic site to recognize and honor the Friendship Nine. In addition to preserving the site, the original lunch counter and the nine stools with the names of the members of the Friendship Nine on them has been preserved, and a Heritage Hall was created including a permanent exhibit composed of text and photographs documenting this historic event in American history. According to the 2000 Census, nearly 38 percent of Rock Hill’s population identified themselves as Black or African-American. It is anticipated that this percentage will be even higher with the 2010 Census. As such, Rock Hill must ensure that it balances the needs of its diverse populations.

Hispanic Culture The Hispanic population has become the fastest growing segment of Rock Hill’s population over the last twenty years. According to the U.S. Census, the total population of Hispanics or Latinos in Rock Hill has grown from 265 residents, or 0.6 percent of the total population, in 1990; to 1,236 residents, or 2.5 percent of the total population, in 2000. Moreover, the 2008 American Community Survey currently estimates that there are 3,186 Hispanic or Latino residents, comprising 4.9 percent of the total population. It is important to note that these numbers may significantly under-represent the actual Hispanic of Latino population as it does not account for undocumented immigrants. The majority of Rock Hill’s Hispanic population is from Mexico (75%), with 45 percent from Veracruz, Mexico. The other 25 percent are from various parts of Central and South America and the

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Caribbean Islands. This recent influx of Hispanic immigrants to Rock Hill is largely attributed to the availability of migrant worker jobs and positions in the construction industry. While employers welcome the inexpensive labor, educators and health care providers struggle to meet new demands. Also, the lack of English language skills is a challenge many Latinos face in the settlement process. Churches, non-profit organizations, and government agencies have begun to organize outreach efforts to address these cultural issues. In August 2000, the City established the Hispanic Task Force of York County, with members representing the major service providers in the county. The undisputed conclusion of the Hispanic Task Force was that York County needed a non-profit agency that would offer assistance to the area’s non-English speaking population and to the agencies that are serving them. This was implemented in 2003 with the establishment of the International Center of York County (ICYC). The ICYC is located at the Rock Hill School’s Family Resource Center and a Hispanic Community Liaison is shared between the City and the ICYC. The ICYC hosts annual information fairs for the Hispanic population, with different themes every year such as: immigration, taxes, labor rights, budgeting, small businesses, health, etc. It also provides an ongoing outreach to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, providing support groups and reading material, with a program called Hope for Tomorrow. Since 2003 more than 900 clients have received assistance, and on average, the ICYC receives more than 150 calls per month. Some of the biggest changes that the Hispanic population has brought to Rock Hill include the growing number of Latino-owned businesses, particularly first time small business owners, offering specialty products and services. Also, many churches have begun adding services specifically for Spanish speaking members. Grupo Latino de Rock Hill is a group of children, youth and adults from different nationalities and background who perform at special events in the area to preserve ethnic traditions of Latino song and dance.

Grupo Latino de Rock Hill

Other Prominent Cultures According to the 2000 Census, 1.3 percent of Rock Hill’s population is Asian, while 0.7 percent is listed as American Indian, and 1.0 percent consisted of other minorities. Since the 1990 Census, the Asian population has more than doubled. The growing Asian population is attributed to the 1970s Vietnamese relocation effort sponsored by the Oratory and members of St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Hundreds of Vietnamese refugees fled their war-torn homeland and were brought to the area by the Diocese of Charleston for the U.S. Catholic Immigration Service. Many chose to settle in Rock Hill, raising families, opening businesses, and bringing extended family members to live near them. Though they had to quickly assimilate to the American lifestyle, the Vietnamese still maintain their cultural identity through observation of holidays, traditional dress, native food, song, and worship.

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Arts Rock Hill enjoys a vibrant arts culture through public art, the performing arts, visual arts, art councils and organizations, and a variety of recurring festivals and events. These art facilities are depicted in Map 6.4. The arts enhance our quality of life, inspire creativity in individuals and engage the community to work together towards a common goal. A diverse cultural industry builds a strong sense of community. It is also a factor in driving economic growth: money invested in cultural activities attracts patrons to area hotels, restaurants and shops; produces jobs; contributes to state and local tax coffers; raises property values and builds bridges between cultures. In 2008, a study commissioned by the Arts Council of York County was completed by a national nonprofit group called Americans for the Arts. The study, which included surveys of more than 1,000 local people and businesses, festivals, concerts, gallery crawls and other nonprofit sponsored events, concluded that cultural organizations and their audiences produce an economic impact of $7 million in York County.

Civitas, Dave Lyle/Gateway Boulevards and City Hall

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Map 6.4: Rock Hill Art Facilities

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Public Art Public art is highly appreciated in the City of Rock Hill, with sculptures, monuments, gardens and fountains strategically placed throughout the community. Public art pieces have been thoughtfully located to inspire spectators and create a more meaningful sense of place. Cherry Park - 1466 Cherry Rd “Mighty Casey”, located at the entrance to the softball/baseball complex in Cherry Park, was modeled after the legendary ball player depicted in Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s narrative poem, “Casey at the Bat.” This 14 foot bronze statue, crafted by Colorado sculptor Mark Lundeen, is one of three of its kind and has graced the park entrance since 1991. The Gateway - Dave Lyle Blvd. and Gateway Blvd The “Gateway”, designed by architect Michael Gallis, was installed in 1991 as a monument honoring Rock Hill Citizens for their civic deeds in creating a vision for the City in the 21st century. The circular intersection, located on Dave Lyle Boulevard at Tech Park, is surrounded by terraced gardens, flanked by two sixty-foot historic Egyptian Revival columns that once adorned the Masonic Temple in Casey at Bat Charlotte and gifted to Rock Hill by First Union Corporation, and includes four twenty-two foot tall bronze Civitas (Latin for “civic pride”) statues. Sculpted by New York artist Audrey Flack, each Civitas displays a unique symbol indicating four separate and meaningful aspects of the City of Rock Hill. These emblems, known as the Four Visions, represent the “Flames of Knowledge’, Stars of Inspiration and Creativity”, “Gears of Industry”, and “Lightning Bolt of Energy”. In 1996, the Gateway Plaza received one of 36 awards issued jointly by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the US Department of Transportation for designs that link public art and transportation planning. A fifth Civitas, sculptured by Audrey Flack, was placed in the rotunda at City Hall in 1992. Old Town Amphitheater at City Hall – 155 Johnston Street The Old Town Amphitheater was dedicated during the City’s Centennial Celebration in December 1992 and designed as a landscaped gathering area for introspection and relaxation. Since then, it has grown to also include a variety of programmed special events such as concerts, movies, performances, festivals, and public art displays. In late winter, the Arts Council of York County and Rock Hill Schools sponsor an annual community-wide public art project showcasing community designed banners, which are displayed on lampposts along Main Street and throughout the plaza. The plaza also features a functional fountain as well as a bell tower containing the original City Hall Amphitheater 1899 fire bell that was used to alert volunteer firefighters from its perch in a tower at the formerly combined fire and police department located on East White Street. A time capsule containing significant current events and articles representing a “snapshot” of life in Rock Hill in 1992 is located at City Hall and scheduled to be opened in 2092. Winthrop University – 701 Oakland Avenue Winthrop University supports an innovative program that gives art and design students ongoing opportunities to create and fabricate temporary and permanent art works for the university’s public spaces. In May 2000, Winthrop installed one of its first permanent public art projects on the front lawn of the main campus. The five-piece sculpture, entitled Sweet Dreams, was crafted by former Winthrop graduate student Doug McAbee and consists of five steel chairs ranging in height from eight feet tall to 24 feet tall. Other selected works are strategically placed in buildings, courtyards and entranceways to enhance the campus’ distinct design. Sweet Dreams

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Tom S. Gettys Center – 121 East Main Street “Spirit of Place,” located at the entrance of the Tom S. Gettys Center, is a bronze piece created by local artist Robert Hasselle and donated to the Arts Council of York County in 2007. The image of the sculpture is a composite of pop icons and artifacts, including the face form the Buffalo Nickel and its coke bottle headdress. It was crafted towards the end of the Pop Art movement and was an attempt to push Pop Art back toward the magi co- religious, anthropological realm of its original inspiration. This sculpture is also an experiment in cubism artwork, but from a more mechanical, formulaic (hence more American) approach. It is a type of orthographic sculpture, broken down into front view, side views, back view and top view. Since it is three dimensional, multiple sides can be viewed at one time, which adds a Spirit of Place certain visual interest.

Glencairn Garden – 725 Crest Street Begun in 1928 as the backyard garden of David and Hazel Bigger and deeded to the City in 1958, Glencairn Garden has grown into an 11-acre botanical experience. The English-style garden boasts a tiered fountain, reflection ponds, a Japanese footbridge, and winding trails that pass beneath canopies of stately trees and through lushly landscaped shrubbery and flowerbeds. Another interesting feature is the "Wall of Whimsy" display - a tribute to renowned local artist, Vernon Grant. Glencairn Garden's exquisite beauty brings hundreds of tourists to Rock Hill throughout the year. Community events include a variety of concerts and activities such as Veterans Day Salute and A Story with Santa in the Garden; Come-See-Me and ChristmasVille Festivals; garden walks, art, games and educational opportunities; gardening seminars and soil analysis provided by the York County Master Gardeners and Clemson Extension Service; and Volunteer Gardening Days. Glencairn Garden is currently in the midst of expansion and revitalization efforts aimed at transforming it into a national tourism destination. The revitalization includes improvements to the existing amenities as well as expanded gardens and linkages to accommodate locals and visitors. While some major phases of the project were completed in the fall of 2009, additional improvements will continue as funding becomes available.

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Performing Arts Theaters and Playhouses: Winthrop University Theatre and Dance Department – 115 Johnson Hall Winthrop University hosts a variety of theatrical productions and dance performances throughout the year within the 331-seat Johnson Theatre and 100-seat Johnson Studio Theatre. The Johnson Hall facility also features two professional-quality dance studios. Each year Winthrop’s Theatre and Dance Department produces four faculty-directed mainstage productions (three in theatre, one in dance), two student choreography showcases, and up to six student studio theatre productions. In 2007, Winthrop University's College of Visual and Performing Arts produced the first Create Carolina, an arts festival collaboration between the university and Charles Randolph Wright, acclaimed writer, director and producer of theatre, film and television and past recipient of the Winthrop University Medal of Honor in the Arts. This three-week multi-disciplinary intensive arts experience brought together artists from around the country and offered the community an array of performance experiences and training opportunities. This unique festival recently produced a production of "Victoria and Frederick for President," written by Jonathan Davidson and directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. The next festival is planned for Summer 2010, however budget constraints threaten to shelve the program. The Rock Hill Community Theatre – 240 East Black Street The Rock Hill Community Theatre formed from the merging of three local theatre groups and was housed at 236 West Main Street until February 2007, when the 100-year old Methodist Church was destroyed by fire. It was then temporarily relocated in a storefront building at 240 East Black Street with seating for 45 people. The Arts Council of York County is working with Comporium Communications to lease the vacant C&S Bank building for plays, concerts and civic events. In April 2009, Rock Hill City Council voted to commit $300,000 in hospitality tax revenues to upfit the building and create a 180-seat community theater while York County Ballet plans to rent out the basement as rehearsal space. It is expected to open in the summer of 2009. The Community Theatre stages about four major productions a year as well as several minor productions and participates in local festivals and events. The Edge Theatre Company – 801 Neely Road Formed in Fall 2008, the Edge Theatre Company is a non-profit theater company based in Rock Hill that provides contemporary, cutting-edge theater experiences not offered by other local theatrical productions often dealing with controversial social issues. Recent productions include “A Very Common Procedure” and “Rent”. Performances are held at South Pointe High School Auditorium or the Rock Hill Community Theatre.

Orchestras and Musical Programs: Winthrop University Department of Music – 129 Conservatory of Music Winthrop University provides a diverse array of vocal and instrumental performances in a variety of musical styles including orchestral repertory, chamber music, opera, jazz, and period ensembles. Student, ensemble, graduate student, faculty, and special event performances are held free or at a nominal fee to the public throughout the year. In addition, the 3,500-seat Byrnes Auditorium has hosted several of the world’s finest musicians and performing organizations, including the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna Boy Choir, the Harlem Boy Choir, Artur Rubenstein, Joan Sutherland, Count Basie, Woody Herman, and Dave Brubeck. The York County Choral Society – 1067 Oakland Avenue Founded in 1981, the York County Choral Society presents a full season of musical concerts at the Oakland Baptist Church.

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Rock Hill Schools – 660 North Anderson Road Rock Hill schools offers a variety of band, orchestral, and choral program opportunities through all education levels. The Rock Hill Schools Foundation hosts an annual “Showcase of the Arts” fundraising event in the spring showcasing student art and talent from around the district. Various art displays as well as performances by elementary, middle and high school choirs, orchestral and music ensembles, and drama are featured.

Ballet and Dance Programs: The York County Ballet – 1449 Ebenezer Road Rock Hill Honors Orchestra Formed in 1978, the York County Ballet consists of a group of young local dancers who perform in Rock Hill and Charleston as well as tours in other parts of the United States and Europe when commissioned. The Company presents two full-length ballets each year at Winthrop’s Johnson Theater, one of which always includes the Nutcracker. In April 2009, the York County Ballet entered into an agreement with the Arts Council to be the anchor tenant in a new community performance center located at 249 East Main Street. The target date to open is late July or early August 2009.

Visual Arts York County Ballet Public Galleries: The various public art galleries located in Rock Hill offer diverse programs of temporary and permanent visual art exhibitions such as painting, illustrations, photography, sculpture, and metal and ceramic fabrications. The galleries provide a place for local, regional, national and international aspiring and professional artists to showcase their artwork while engaging the community in a reflection of cultural heritage as well as new and innovative artistic experiences. Winthrop University Galleries – 1896 Alumni Drive The Winthrop University Galleries provide three exhibition spaces, the Rutledge Gallery, the Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Gallery and the Edmund D. Lewandowski Student Gallery which offer year-round exhibitions and lectures that introduce students, faculty and the community to a diversity of artists and ideas. Exhibition opportunities are available for professional artists, faculty, local, national and international artists who are graduates of Winthrop’s M.F.A and B.F.A programs in fine arts and design, and current students. Winthrop also offers an outreach program to area schools and teachers through specially designed curriculum based tours. Center for the Arts – 121 East Main Street The Center for the Arts, located in two restored historic buildings in downtown Rock Hill, features three gallery spaces sponsored by the Arts Council of York County, including the Dalton Gallery, the Perimeter Gallery, and the Lewandowski Classroom Gallery. The Dalton Gallery and Perimeter Gallery feature local, regional, national and international artist exhibitions that change on an eight-week basis. The Lewandowski Gallery features works by students from Rock Hill High Schools and university students. The Center for the Arts also includes seven private artists’ studios which are open by appointment. Dalton Gallery

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Tom S. Gettys Center Galleries – 201 East Main Street Both the first and second floors of the Gettys Center have been recently renovated and the historic courtroom has been fully restored. Gallery Up, located on the second floor of the Gettys Center in downtown Rock Hill, is an artist-run gallery, store and custom frame shop. Gallery Up offers approximately six shows each year featuring the work of emerging and established artists for exhibit and sale. In addition to the gallery, the Gettys Center houses seven private artists’ studios as well as the Prometheus Gallery for pottery and sculpture works and Grace With Fire on the first floor. Most galleries and studios are open during joint gallery crawls. Piedmont Medical Center Gallery – 222 South Herlong Avenue The Piedmont Medical Center Gallery is programmed in partnership with the Arts Council of York County. This gallery, featuring the work of local artists, showcases the arts in a healthcare facility. Museum of York County Galleries – 4621 Mt. Gallant Road The Museum of York County features both temporary and permanent exhibitions in its galleries, including the Vernon Grant Gallery, Carolina Piedmont Gallery, and Catawba River Gallery. City Hall Rotunda Gallery – 155 Johnston Street Each month, the Arts Council of York County fills the City Hall Rotunda with artwork by a local artist from elementary and high school students to professionals in painting, pottery, and sculpture. Dalton Gallery at Clinton College – 1029 Crawford Road The Dalton Gallery at Clinton College features the artwork of local artists particularly those depicting African American heritage and themes. Recent exhibitions include Artists and Civic Engagement (ACE) Projects sponsored in partnership with Winthrop University through programs offered under the umbrella of the Dalton Downtown Arts Initiative (DDAI).

Councils and Organizations Arts Council of York County – 121 East Main Street The Arts Council of York County was formed in 2001 through the merging of two mainstay arts organizations - the Rock Hill Arts Council (founded in 1977) and ARTS etc. (formerly the Fine Arts Association, which was founded in 1975). The mission of the Arts Council is to provide leadership in arts education and development, arts marketing and arts advocacy to create a thriving, diverse and vibrant arts community in York County. As a United Arts Fund (UAF), the Arts Council supports local cultural organizations, arts organizations, arts education programs and individual artists in the areas of visual arts, dance, theatre, music, literacy and film projects. The Arts Council serves local artists by funding small grant programs as well as providing both studio and gallery space. Tax-deductible contributions collected through the Arts Council support the daily operations of four major arts organizations: The Arts Council of York County, The Rock Hill Community Theater, The York County Choral Society and The York County Ballet. It is open to other organizations through a major grant application. Arts Alive! Summer Art Camp In addition to managing a community center and the Dalton Gallery, the Arts Council sponsors various arts events such as Gallery Crawls and the Civitas Gala. Several arts programs are sponsored by the Arts Council such as Art After Hours, which includes arts events aimed at the “under 40” community; Arts Alive! Summer Art Camp for children; and Arts in Education Series, a multi-tiered program for students including artist residencies, student art exhibitions, teacher workshops and educational theatre and music performances. The Arts Council’s 2008 Strategic Plan indicates that it is the goal of the Arts Council to take the lead in the development, design, funding and operation of a performing arts center in York County. A needs assessment and feasibility study was completed in 2009. In a partnership with the City of Rock Hill and Comporium Communications, the Arts Council received support and funds to open a

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Community Performance Center at 249 East Main Street in early August 2009. The York County Ballet is the anchor tenant. The Rock Hill Community Theatre and other local and regional groups will also present performances there. Old Town Association - 157 East Main Street, Suite 500 The MSOTA is a citizen’s group committed to the sustained redevelopment of Rock Hill’s Downtown area. This non-profit organization coordinates festivals and events in downtown Rock Hill among other activities. South Carolina Arts Alliance – 201 East Main Street Headquartered in Downtown Rock Hill, the South Carolina Arts Alliance (SCAA) is a private, non- profit statewide assembly of arts organizations, educators, administrators, business and private individuals that provides advocacy, resources and technical services to its constituency. Formed in 1979 as the South Carolina Alliance of Community Arts Agencies, the Arts Alliance has grown from a small network of arts council administrators to a broad-based statewide organization committed to the advancement of the arts and arts education in South Carolina. The Arts Alliance envisions that by 2010 it will be the state’s primary private sector coalition that informs policy development; advocates successfully for increased funding for the arts and arts education; provides technical assistance and resources to local and statewide arts. Catawba Cultural Preservation Project – 1536 Tom Steven Road The Catawba Cultural Preservation Project (CCPP) was formed in 1990 as a non-profit organization within the Catawba Cultural Center located on the Catawba Indian Reservation. Its mission is to preserve, promote and protect the rich cultural heritage of the Catawba Indian Nation through programs, classes, tours, and special events.

Festivals and Events Several annual festivals and cultural events are held throughout the year, providing Rock Hill residents and visitors an opportunity to sample gourmet cuisine, purchase handcrafted gifts and listen to various musical talents. The Arts Council of York County maintains a 24-hour Arts and Entertainment Hotline (803-328-2220) which provides information about current and upcoming arts events around the County. A new website will be available in July 2009 and will feature a comprehensive calendar for upcoming arts events: www.yorkcountyarts.org.

Spring:  Come See Me – Begun in 1962, the Come See Me festival is held every April as an annual salute to spring. Come See Me is considered the largest all-volunteer festival in the South Carolina with over 125,000 participants and visitors in attendance each year. Over 60 different events are featured including music, dance, art, parade, food, sports, storytelling, plays, and other passive and active entertainment.  Freedom Center Concert Series – Locally owned Back Home Entertainment plans and promotes live music and arts events including a spring concert series at the Freedom Center in downtown Rock Hill.  Old Town Amphitheater Concert Series – A series of ticketed concerts are held throughout the year showcasing regional and national entertainment.

Summer:  Art Crawl – Art Crawl events are held at various times throughout the year, typically between April and December. These events feature live music and art displays in downtown galleries giving patrons an opportunity to meet the artist and enjoy a festive night out. In conjunction, the Arts Council of York County (and Gallery Up) holds an opening reception for each show. Award

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ceremonies are held for annual juried competitions for mixed media, photography, poetry and short stories in the Dalton Gallery at the Center for the Arts.  Main Street Live – Held on the first Thursdays in May, June, August and September, Main Street Live is a huge street party in downtown Rock Hill including live bands, food vendors and children’s activity area.  Red, White & BOOM! – Held on July 3rd each year, this free event is part of the Old Town Amphitheater Concert Series and features live music, children’s activities, food and beverage vendors, and a fireworks show.  Wait Until Dark Outdoor Movie Series – Classic movies are shown on a 20’ screen beneath the stars in the Old Town Amphitheater at City Hall. The movies are held on the second and fourth Fridays of the month from June through August at 9 PM. Admission is $3 or free with a receipt from a downtown merchant. Concessions, including beer and wine, are available for purchase.

Fall:  Downtown Blues Festival – Begun in 2005, the Downtown Blues Festival features performances blues, jazz and R&B musicians from all over the nation performing in the downtown shops, restaurants and Old Town Amphitheater. The festival extends over three days with different performers every night.  BooHaha – Downtown merchants hand out free candy to children on Main Street for a safe alternative to trick or treating. The event takes place on October 30 or 31 each year and includes a costume contest for children 10 and under.

Winter:  ChristmasVille – Begun in 2006, this annual holiday festival was voted South Carolina’s Event of the Year in 2007 and 2008. The festival celebrates the arts, including the art of Rock Hill’s adopted son, Vernon Grant of Rice Krispies® Snap! ® Crackle! ® Pop! ®. The festival begins the first Thursday after Thanksgiving with the “Lighting of the Village” and ends with a grand finale featuring the Winthrop University ChristmasVille RockHettes. The festival boasts over 70 festivities in four days including historic homes tour, Victorian teas, a Christmas parade, an art market, theatrical productions, concerts and children’s activities including 20 tons of real snow.  Festival of Carols, Winthrop University – This annual festival is put on by Winthrop University’s Department of Music and features Winthrop instrumental and vocal groups, as well as local elementary, middle and high school vocal groups. The Winthrop tree, lit each year since 1935, is illuminated as part of the festivities.  Civitas Gala – The annual Arts Gala has become a must-be-there affair for art lovers around the County. Community members gather in March for fine foods and spirits, lively entertainment and a memorable evening with friends to celebrate the arts in downtown Rock Hill.  St. Paddy’s On Main Bagpipe Parade and Music Festival – This event is held on March 17 and features live music on Main Street and inside restaurants along with food vendors, green beer, a balloon drop and costume contest. A pedestrian parade includes costume-clad children and adults who follow bagpipers down Main Street. The Wee Ones Village features activities for little lads and lasses.

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