Anderson was nicknamed the 'Electric City' because it was one of the first cities in the United States to have a hydroelectric power plant, connected to the Portman Shoals Power Plant in 1895.
The Anderson County Courthouse, located within the district, was constructed in 1898 and stands as the centerpiece of the local government square.
The district contains several examples of 'Commercial Vernacular' architecture, which prioritizes functional storefronts on the ground floor with office space or residential apartments above.
Many buildings in the downtown core have been preserved through the use of historic preservation tax incentives provided by state and federal programs.
The district layout follows a traditional grid pattern typical of Southern post-Civil War boomtowns built to accommodate regional railroad access.
The Anderson Downtown Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as the cultural and commercial core of Anderson, South Carolina. The district features a dense collection of late 19th and early 20th-century commercial buildings, including structures designed in Italianate, Neoclassical, and Romanesque Revival styles. The site encompasses the Anderson County Courthouse, a key architectural landmark that anchors the district's layout. Numerous buildings feature original storefronts, ornate brickwork, and preserved cornices dating back to the town's development as a textile manufacturing hub. Pedestrian-friendly sidewalks connect independent boutiques, local eateries, and professional services housed within rehabilitated historical facades. The area remains an active center for municipal governance and community events throughout the year.
The front steps of the Anderson County Courthouse looking down S Main St.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the historic brick sidewalks.
Check the local city events calendar before visiting to see if the downtown area is hosting a street festival or farmers market.
Visit during the weekday lunch hour to see the area at its most active with local professionals.
Do not overlook the side streets, as many significant historical architectural details are found away from the main thoroughfare of S Main St.
Most shops operate on a standard business week schedule; many close on Sundays.
Casual attire is appropriate; however, be mindful that many buildings serve as private business offices.
