Anderson, South Carolina
Encyclopedia
Anderson is a city in and the county seat
of Anderson County
, South Carolina
, United States
. The population was estimated at 26,242 in 2006, and the city was the center of an urbanized area of 70,530. It is the principal city of the Anderson, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area (population: 187,126, according to the 2010 census), (population: 184,901,according to the 2009 census), which is further included in the larger Greenville
-Spartanburg
-Anderson, South Carolina Combined Statistical Area
(population: 1,185,534, according to 2005 U.S. Census Bureau estimates). Anderson is just off Interstate 85 and is 120 Miles from Atlanta and 140 miles (225.3 km) from Charlotte.
Anderson is the smallest of the three primary cities that makes up the Upstate region and is nicknamed "The Electric City" and "The Friendliest City in South Carolina." Anderson's spirit and quality of life has earned national recognition as Anderson County was named an "All-America City" in 2000.
Anderson is the home of Anderson University
, a selective private comprehensive university of approximately 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students.
surveyed the land in the area. The Cherokees lived in the area until 1777. The land was then ceded to South Carolina by the Cherokee in a treaty negotiated by Pickens. This area was then called the Pendleton District
for official purposes. In 1826, the Pendleton District was divided into two districts — Anderson and Pickens. Because the town of Pendleton
was at the top of the county, too close to the Pickens border, a new courthouse was built at the center of the county. A small town, named Anderson Courthouse, built around the courthouse, and this community eventually became known as Anderson. The original courthouse was built of logs, but 10 years later, a courthouse made of bricks was erected to replace it. A still-standing Anderson County Courthouse, built in 1898, now faces the current courthouse and is built on the site of the original.
The settlers of this area were mostly Scots-Irish
who came from Virginia
and Pennsylvania
to farm. Farmers grew corn and raised hogs. Much later, cotton became the cash crop of the area. By the late 19th century, the Anderson area was filled with numerous textile mills. Due to the innovation of Anderson engineer William Whitner, electricity could be conducted by wire to mills throughout the county. Anderson was the first city in the United States to have a continuous supply of electric power, which was supplied by a water mill located in the high shoals area of the Rocky River
in Anderson County. The first cotton gin in the world to be operated by electricity was built in Anderson County in 1897. Several areas of Anderson are named in Whitner's honor, including a downtown street. Anderson became known as "The Electric City," a nickname that it still holds today.
On November 14, 1931, famous aviator Amelia Earhart
flew into the Anderson, SC airport in her Pitcairn PCA-2
Autogyro, attracting over 1,000 spectators. Mayor G.T. McGregor and other city leaders met her at the airport. She was piloting the Autogiro on a nationwide tour promoting Beech-Nut
products. Earhart landed at the original Anderson County Airport, founded in 1928 on the highest land Anderson County owned. This "airport," a mere grass strip originally planned as an emergency landing field, later became a joint city county facility where planes delivering air mail landed. The field functioned until the land for the current airport on Highway 24 was purchased and developed in the mid 1930's
Anderson is located in the northwest corner of South Carolina
on the Piedmont plateau. At the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Anderson is a 1-hour drive from the Appalachian Mountains
, and a 4-hour drive from the South Carolina coast. Anderson lies roughly at the midpoint of the busy I-85 corridor between Atlanta, Georgia
and Charlotte, North Carolina
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 13.9 square miles (36 km²), of which 13.8 square miles (35.7 km²) is land and 0.07% is water.
Elementary schools in Anderson:
Middle schools in Anderson:
High schools in Anderson:
Private school
s in Anderson
Early childhood schools in Anderson:
Swim Centers
, currenty the city's only freeway. Several notable highways pass through the city, including U.S. Route 76
and U.S. Route 178
co-signed along Clemson Boulevard, also known as SC-Bus 28
, and
U.S. Route 29
leading to Hartwell
to the south and Greenville to the north.
In 2011, construction began on a new east-west connector which is approximately three miles long between Clemson Boulevard and South Carolina Highway 81. On August 16, 2010, the connector was voted to have four lanes with turn and bike lanes with a completion date set in October 2012.
, located on West Whitner Street near downtown.
is Anderson's largest shopping center. It opened in 1972 and has undergone many expansions. It currently has more than 76 specialty stores thanks to a renovation completed in 2008. The mall is owned by Simon Property Group
and anchored by Sears
, Belk
, Dillards
, and JC Penney. Dillards recently opened at the mall in the Fall of 2008 as part of the renovation project. The project also closed the Goody's
outparcel store. The front of the mall was also remodeled with Books-A-Million
relocating to this area, along with several other stores and Brioso Pasta.
. Locally owned stores such as Grady's Great Outdoors http://www.gradysoutdoors.com and McAuley's Boutique http://www.shopmcauleys.com as well as big box stores occupy Anderson, mainly on Clemson Boulevard. Midtown Park is a new shopping center which opened in 2008 that features Kohl's
, Dick's Sporting Goods
, Staples, AT&T, Hardee's
, and Ulta
. Other major shopping centers in Anderson include Anderson Mall, North Pointe Centre, Anderson Station, and two WalMart shopping centers.
of 2000, there were 25,514 people, 10,641 households, and 6,299 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,843.7 people per square mile (711.8/km²). There were 12,068 housing units at an average density of 872.1 per square mile (336.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 63.12% White, 34.01% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.78% Asian American, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.68% from other races, and 1.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.48% of the population.
There were 10,641 households out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.9% were married couples
living together, 18.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.8% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.89.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.2% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 82.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over there were 77.5 males.
Anderson is the central city of an urbanized area with a total population of 70,530 (2000 census). This urban area is within the larger Greenville-Spartanburg metropolitan statistical area.
. Carrickfergus
, Northern Ireland
, United Kingdom
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Anderson County
Anderson County, South Carolina
-Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there were 187,126 people and 70,597 households residing in the county. The population density was 260.6 people per square mile . There were 84,092 housing units...
, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was estimated at 26,242 in 2006, and the city was the center of an urbanized area of 70,530. It is the principal city of the Anderson, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area (population: 187,126, according to the 2010 census), (population: 184,901,according to the 2009 census), which is further included in the larger Greenville
Greenville, South Carolina
-Law and government:The city of Greenville adopted the Council-Manager form of municipal government in 1976.-History:The area was part of the Cherokee Nation's protected grounds after the Treaty of 1763, which ended the French and Indian War. No White man was allowed to enter, though some families...
-Spartanburg
Spartanburg, South Carolina
thgSpartanburg is the largest city in and the county seat of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States. It is the second-largest city of the three primary cities in the Upstate region of South Carolina, and is located northwest of Columbia, west of Charlotte, and about northeast of...
-Anderson, South Carolina Combined Statistical Area
Combined Statistical Area
The United States Office of Management and Budget defines micropolitan and metropolitan statistical areas. Metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas consist of one or more counties...
(population: 1,185,534, according to 2005 U.S. Census Bureau estimates). Anderson is just off Interstate 85 and is 120 Miles from Atlanta and 140 miles (225.3 km) from Charlotte.
Anderson is the smallest of the three primary cities that makes up the Upstate region and is nicknamed "The Electric City" and "The Friendliest City in South Carolina." Anderson's spirit and quality of life has earned national recognition as Anderson County was named an "All-America City" in 2000.
Anderson is the home of Anderson University
Anderson University (South Carolina)
Anderson University is a private comprehensive university located in Anderson, South Carolina, offering bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in approximately 60 areas of study. Anderson is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and is accredited as a Level V institution by the...
, a selective private comprehensive university of approximately 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students.
History
Anderson was named for a Revolutionary War hero, Robert Anderson. General Anderson and Andrew PickensAndrew Pickens (congressman)
Andrew Pickens was a militia leader in the American Revolution and a member of the United States House of Representatives from South Carolina.-Early life:...
surveyed the land in the area. The Cherokees lived in the area until 1777. The land was then ceded to South Carolina by the Cherokee in a treaty negotiated by Pickens. This area was then called the Pendleton District
Pendleton District, South Carolina
Pendleton District is a former judicial district in South Carolina. It existed as a county or a district from 7 March 1789 to 20 December 1826....
for official purposes. In 1826, the Pendleton District was divided into two districts — Anderson and Pickens. Because the town of Pendleton
Pendleton, South Carolina
Pendleton is a town in Anderson County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,966 at the 2000 census. It is a sister city of Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland....
was at the top of the county, too close to the Pickens border, a new courthouse was built at the center of the county. A small town, named Anderson Courthouse, built around the courthouse, and this community eventually became known as Anderson. The original courthouse was built of logs, but 10 years later, a courthouse made of bricks was erected to replace it. A still-standing Anderson County Courthouse, built in 1898, now faces the current courthouse and is built on the site of the original.
The settlers of this area were mostly Scots-Irish
Ulster-Scots
The Ulster Scots are an ethnic group in Ireland, descended from Lowland Scots and English from the border of those two countries, many from the "Border Reivers" culture...
who came from Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
and Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
to farm. Farmers grew corn and raised hogs. Much later, cotton became the cash crop of the area. By the late 19th century, the Anderson area was filled with numerous textile mills. Due to the innovation of Anderson engineer William Whitner, electricity could be conducted by wire to mills throughout the county. Anderson was the first city in the United States to have a continuous supply of electric power, which was supplied by a water mill located in the high shoals area of the Rocky River
Rocky River (South Carolina)
The Rocky River is a tributary of the Savannah River in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It flows into the Savannah River just west of Calhoun Falls at . It forms as the confluence of Beaverdam Creek and Little Beaverdam Creek northeast of Anderson at ....
in Anderson County. The first cotton gin in the world to be operated by electricity was built in Anderson County in 1897. Several areas of Anderson are named in Whitner's honor, including a downtown street. Anderson became known as "The Electric City," a nickname that it still holds today.
On November 14, 1931, famous aviator Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Mary Earhart was a noted American aviation pioneer and author. Earhart was the first woman to receive the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded for becoming the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean...
flew into the Anderson, SC airport in her Pitcairn PCA-2
Pitcairn PCA-2
-External links:*...
Autogyro, attracting over 1,000 spectators. Mayor G.T. McGregor and other city leaders met her at the airport. She was piloting the Autogiro on a nationwide tour promoting Beech-Nut
Beech-Nut
Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation is a baby food company that is currently owned by the Swiss branded consumer-goods firm Hero Group.- History :...
products. Earhart landed at the original Anderson County Airport, founded in 1928 on the highest land Anderson County owned. This "airport," a mere grass strip originally planned as an emergency landing field, later became a joint city county facility where planes delivering air mail landed. The field functioned until the land for the current airport on Highway 24 was purchased and developed in the mid 1930's
Geography
Anderson is located at 34°30′52"N 82°38′56"W (34.514506, −82.648944).Anderson is located in the northwest corner of South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
on the Piedmont plateau. At the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Anderson is a 1-hour drive from the Appalachian Mountains
Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains #Whether the stressed vowel is or ,#Whether the "ch" is pronounced as a fricative or an affricate , and#Whether the final vowel is the monophthong or the diphthong .), often called the Appalachians, are a system of mountains in eastern North America. The Appalachians...
, and a 4-hour drive from the South Carolina coast. Anderson lies roughly at the midpoint of the busy I-85 corridor between Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
and Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009...
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 13.9 square miles (36 km²), of which 13.8 square miles (35.7 km²) is land and 0.07% is water.
Economy
Anderson's economy revolves around manufacturing. Anderson has over 230 manufacturers, including 22 international companies. In the county, Anderson has a thriving business climate. The top major industries in Anderson include manufacturers of automotive products, metal products, industrial machinery, plastics, publishing, and textiles. Two industries that many times interconnect are the plastic and automotive sectors. There are more than 27 BMW suppliers in the Upstate, which is recognized internationally as an automotive supplier hub. The plastic industry has a strong presence in the Upstate with 244 plastic companies located within the 10 counties of the state's northwest corner. Anderson County, in particular, has 11 automotive suppliers and is a major player in the plastic industry, with 27 plastic companies located within its borders. It has one unionized company in the area – Anderson is a growing area in the form of economics.Education
The city of Anderson is served by the Anderson County School System (specifically, Anderson School District Five). The school district has 11 elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools. A new middle school is to be built soon. The purpose for the new middle school is to relieve overcrowding at McCants Middle School. The school district is refurbishing Concord, Homeland Park, Centerville, Midway, and Varennes Elementary Schools.Elementary schools in Anderson:
- Calhoun Academy of the Arts
- Centerville Elementary
- Concord ElementaryConcord elementaryConcord Elementary School is the name of multiple elementary school in the United States of America:* Concord Elementary School , an elementary school in McCracken County, Kentucky....
- Flat Rock Elementary
- Homeland Park Elementary
- Iva Elementary
- McLees Elementary
- Midway Elementary
- Nevitt Forest Elementary
- New Prospect Elementary
- Starr Elementary
- Townville Elementary (City of Townville)
- Varennes Elementary
- Whitehall Elementary
Middle schools in Anderson:
- Riverside Middle School (City of Pendleton)
- Lakeside Middle School
- McCants Middle School
- Southwood Middle School
- Robert Anderson Middle School
- Starr-Iva Middle School
- Glen View Middle School
High schools in Anderson:
- Pendleton High School (City of Pendleton)
- T. L. Hanna High SchoolT. L. Hanna High SchoolT. L. Hanna High School is currently located at 2600 Highway 81 North, outside the city limits of Anderson, SC. It is one of two high schools in Anderson School District 5 and has a population of nearly 1,800 students. In 1999, the school was named "Palmetto's Finest" by the South Carolina...
- Crescent High School
- Westside High SchoolWestside High School (South Carolina)Westside High School is a high school located in Anderson, South Carolina. The school serves the west side of Anderson and is part of Anderson School District 5. Westside High School is administered by principal Henry 'Daddy' Adair. He took over Westside High as principal in 1983...
- Hanna-Westside Extension Campus (high school/trade school)
Private school
Private school
Private schools, also known as independent schools or nonstate schools, are not administered by local, state or national governments; thus, they retain the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students' tuition, rather than relying on mandatory...
s in Anderson
- Anderson Christian School
- Boulevard Child Enrichment Center
- Day Star School
- First Presbyterian Church Dayschool
- Grace Kindergarten
- Montessori School of Anderson
- Oakwood Christian School
- New Covenant School
- St Joseph Catholic School
- Temple Christian Academy
- West Anderson Christian Academy
Early childhood schools in Anderson:
- West Market
- South Fant
Swim Centers
- District 5
- Sheppard
- Hudgens, open until recently, has been condemned for destruction and closed
Higher education
There are five colleges and one technical college within a 30 miles (48.3 km) radius of Anderson:- Anderson UniversityAnderson University (South Carolina)Anderson University is a private comprehensive university located in Anderson, South Carolina, offering bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in approximately 60 areas of study. Anderson is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and is accredited as a Level V institution by the...
in Anderson - Erskine CollegeErskine CollegeErskine College is a four year, Christian liberal arts college located in Due West, South Carolina.-Early history:Established in 1839 by the Associate Reformed Synod of the South as an academy for men, Erskine College became the first four year, church-related college in South Carolina...
in Due WestDue WestDue West is an American country music group composed of Matt Lopez, Tim Gates and Brad Hull. Due West was founded in Nashville, Tennessee in 2004, and was almost signed to a contract with RCA Records Nashville in 2006, but lost the deal due to the merger of Sony Music and BMG...
, which is in Abbeville CountyAbbeville County, South CarolinaAbbeville County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2010, its population was 25,147. Its county seat is Abbeville. It is the first county in the United States alphabetically.-History:... - Clemson UniversityClemson UniversityClemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant, sea-grant, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina, United States....
in ClemsonClemson, South CarolinaClemson is a college town located in Pickens County in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 11,939 at the 2000 census and center of an urban cluster with a total population of 42,199...
, which is in Pickens County - Southern Wesleyan UniversitySouthern Wesleyan UniversitySouthern Wesleyan University is a four-year and graduate Christian college, with its main campus in the town of Central, South Carolina. The university was founded in 1906 by what is now the Wesleyan Church....
, Central SC, also in Pickens County - Tri-County Technical College in PendletonPendleton, South CarolinaPendleton is a town in Anderson County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,966 at the 2000 census. It is a sister city of Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland....
– (two-year community college) - Forrest College, 601 E. River St., Anderson, SC 29624, 864-225-7653 www.forrestcollege.edu
Airport
Anderson is served by Anderson County Regional Airport (IATA: AND, ICAO: KAND). The airport is 3 miles (4.8 km) away from Anderson and has 2 runways; runway 5/23 is 6000 feet (1,828.8 m) and runway 17/35 is 5000 feet (1,524 m). The airport also has helipads. The airport has no control tower but is able to accommodate regional jet aircraft. In addition, the airport has a small terminal.Roads and Highways
Anderson has five signed exits on I-85Interstate 85
Interstate 85 is a major interstate highway in the Southeastern United States. Its current southern terminus is at an interchange with Interstate 65 in Montgomery, Alabama; its northern terminus interchanges with Interstate 95 in Petersburg, Virginia, near Richmond...
, currenty the city's only freeway. Several notable highways pass through the city, including U.S. Route 76
U.S. Route 76
U.S. Route 76 is an east–west United States highway that runs for from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.-Tennessee:...
and U.S. Route 178
U.S. Route 178
U.S. Highway 178 is a spur of U.S. Highway 78. It currently runs for 237 miles from Dorchester, South Carolina at U.S. Highway 78 to Rosman, North Carolina at U.S. Highway 64. It passes through the states of South Carolina and North Carolina...
co-signed along Clemson Boulevard, also known as SC-Bus 28
South Carolina Highway 28
South Carolina Highway 28 is a primary state highway in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It traverses east–west from the Georgia, near Mountain Rest, to Beech Island...
, and
U.S. Route 29
U.S. Route 29
U.S. Route 29 is a north–south United States highway that runs for from the western suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland, to Pensacola, Florida. This highway's northern terminus is at Maryland Route 99 in Ellicott City, Maryland...
leading to Hartwell
Hartwell, Georgia
Hartwell is a city in Hart County, Georgia, United States. The population was 4,188 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Hart County.-Geography:Hartwell is located at . It sits upon the southern border of Lake Hartwell...
to the south and Greenville to the north.
In 2011, construction began on a new east-west connector which is approximately three miles long between Clemson Boulevard and South Carolina Highway 81. On August 16, 2010, the connector was voted to have four lanes with turn and bike lanes with a completion date set in October 2012.
Public Transit
Anderson has four bus routes (Blue, Green, Red, and Gold) that travel to most major areas of the city, running every hour. and also receives service from Clemson Area Transit (CATS) via the 4U route. The city uses both newer hybrid buses and older style trolleys resembling Anderson's old streetcars. Inter-city bus travel is available through Greyhound LinesGreyhound Lines
Greyhound Lines, Inc., based in Dallas, Texas, is an intercity common carrier of passengers by bus serving over 3,700 destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, operating under the well-known logo of a leaping greyhound. It was founded in Hibbing, Minnesota, USA, in 1914 and...
, located on West Whitner Street near downtown.
Anderson Mall
Anderson MallAnderson Mall
Anderson Mall is a regional shopping mall located in Anderson County, South Carolina. The mall, which is anchored by Belk, Sears, JCPenney, and Dillard's, has GLA.-History:...
is Anderson's largest shopping center. It opened in 1972 and has undergone many expansions. It currently has more than 76 specialty stores thanks to a renovation completed in 2008. The mall is owned by Simon Property Group
Simon Property Group
Simon Property Group, Inc. is an American commercial real estate company, ranked #1 in the United States as the largest real estate investment trust. Simon is a fully integrated real estate company which operates from five retail real estate platforms: regional malls, Premium Outlet Centers, The...
and anchored by Sears
Sears, Roebuck and Company
Sears, officially named Sears, Roebuck and Co., is an American chain of department stores which was founded by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck in the late 19th century...
, Belk
Belk
Belk is a department store chain founded in 1888 in Monroe, North Carolina, today part of the Charlotte metropolitan area. After the founding of the first Belk store, the company grew in size and influence throughout the South via the chain in the USA, with its stores primarily located in the...
, Dillards
Dillard's
Dillard's, Inc. is a department store chain in the United States, with 330 stores in 29 states. Headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, Dillard's locations are concentrated in Texas and Florida; with a major presence in other states including Arizona, Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri,...
, and JC Penney. Dillards recently opened at the mall in the Fall of 2008 as part of the renovation project. The project also closed the Goody's
Goody's Family Clothing
Goody's is a brand used for some clothing stores operated by Stage Stores, Inc., of Houston, Texas. It is a successor to Goody's Family Clothing, a chain of clothing retailers based in Knoxville, Tennessee...
outparcel store. The front of the mall was also remodeled with Books-A-Million
Books-A-Million
Books-A-Million, Inc., also known as BAM!, is a company that owns the second largest U.S. bookstore chain and is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. The company operates over 200 stores in the South, Midwest, Northeast...
relocating to this area, along with several other stores and Brioso Pasta.
Shopping
Anderson is one of the premier shopping centers in The UpstateThe Upstate
The Upstate is the region in northwestern South Carolina, United States, also known as The Upcountry, which is the historical term. Although loosely defined among locals, the general definition includes the 10 counties of the commerce-rich I-85 corridor in the northwest corner of South Carolina. ...
. Locally owned stores such as Grady's Great Outdoors http://www.gradysoutdoors.com and McAuley's Boutique http://www.shopmcauleys.com as well as big box stores occupy Anderson, mainly on Clemson Boulevard. Midtown Park is a new shopping center which opened in 2008 that features Kohl's
Kohl's
Kohl's Corporation is an American department store chain headquartered in the Milwaukee suburb of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, operating , 1,089 stores in 49 states. In 1998, it entered the S&P 500 list, and is also listed in the Fortune 500...
, Dick's Sporting Goods
Dick's Sporting Goods
Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. , or Dick's, is a Fortune 500 American corporation in the sporting goods and retail industries.The company's headquarters are on the grounds of Pittsburgh International Airport in Findlay Township near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dick's has 451 stores in 42 states as of...
, Staples, AT&T, Hardee's
Hardee's
Hardee's is a restaurant chain, located mostly in the Southeast and Midwestern regions of the United States. It has evolved through several corporate ownerships since its establishment in 1960. It is currently owned and operated by CKE Restaurants. Along with its sibling restaurant chain, Carl's...
, and Ulta
Ulta
Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc is a chain of beauty superstores in the United States. Each store is outfitted with a full-service salon as well. Ulta carries a variety of cosmetics and skincare brands, men's and women's fragrances, and professionally licensed haircare products...
. Other major shopping centers in Anderson include Anderson Mall, North Pointe Centre, Anderson Station, and two WalMart shopping centers.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 25,514 people, 10,641 households, and 6,299 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,843.7 people per square mile (711.8/km²). There were 12,068 housing units at an average density of 872.1 per square mile (336.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 63.12% White, 34.01% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.78% Asian American, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.68% from other races, and 1.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.48% of the population.
There were 10,641 households out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.9% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 18.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.8% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.89.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.2% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 82.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over there were 77.5 males.
Anderson is the central city of an urbanized area with a total population of 70,530 (2000 census). This urban area is within the larger Greenville-Spartanburg metropolitan statistical area.
Government
Anderson is governed using the mayor-council system. The Mayor is elected at-large. The city council consists of eight members. Six are elected from districts and the other two are elected at large.Notable residents
- James Lee BarrettJames Lee BarrettJames Lee Barrett was an American producer, screenwriter, and writer.Barrett, along with Peter Udell and Phillip Rose won the 1975 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for Shenandoah, which was based on his 1965 film by the same name, which starred James Stewart.Other notable works written by...
: American producer, screenwriter, and writer. Won the Tony Award for the Best Musical, Shenandoah. - Guy DavenportGuy DavenportGuy Mattison Davenport was an American writer, translator, illustrator, painter, intellectual, and teacher.-Life:...
: prolific novelist, poet, and scholar - Shaun EllisShaun EllisMeShaunda "Shaun" Pizarrur Ellis is an American football defensive end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . Ellis was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee...
: current professional football player - James Robert "Radio" Kennedy: subject of the motion picture Radio, there is now a statue of him in the town.
- Rafael LittleRafael LittleRafael Little is an American football running back for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Kentucky.Little has also been a member of the Winnipeg Blue...
: Graduated University of Kentucky as a free Agent with the Tennessee Titans. He currently plays in the CFL. - Johnny MannJohnny MannJohnny Mann is an American arranger, composer, conductor, entertainer, and recording artist.-Career:...
: arranger, composer, conductor, entertainer, and recording artist - Adam MinarovichAdam MinarovichAdam Minarovich is an American actor, screenwriter and film director. He is known for his recurring role as Ed in the American television series, The Walking Dead....
: Film director and actor (The Walking DeadThe Walking Dead (TV series)The Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptic horror television series developed for television by Frank Darabont and based on the ongoing comic book series, The Walking Dead, by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard...
). - Charles MurpheyCharles MurpheyCharles Murphey was an American lawyer and politician from the state of Georgia. He was born in Anderson, South Carolina....
: (1799–1861), United States Congressman from Georgia. - Larry Nance, retired NBA basketball player with the Phoenix SunsPhoenix SunsThe Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
and Cleveland CavaliersCleveland CavaliersThe Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team... - James Lawrence OrrJames Lawrence OrrJames Lawrence Orr was an American politician who served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives in the United States Congress...
: former GovernorGovernor of South CarolinaThe Governor of the State of South Carolina is the head of state for the State of South Carolina. Under the South Carolina Constitution, the Governor is also the head of government, serving as the chief executive of the South Carolina executive branch. The Governor is the ex officio...
of South CarolinaSouth CarolinaSouth Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
and Speaker of the United States House of RepresentativesSpeaker of the United States House of RepresentativesThe Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, or Speaker of the House, is the presiding officer of the United States House of Representatives...
. - Lu ParkerLu ParkerFrances Louise "Lu" Parker is a broadcast journalist and former Miss USA from South Carolina.- Early life :Born in Anderson, South Carolina, Parker attended the College of Charleston, where she was a sister of Alpha Delta Pi and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She then went on to...
: Miss USAMiss USAThe Miss USA beauty contest has been held annually since 1952 to select the United States entrant in the Miss Universe pageant. The Miss Universe Organization operates both pageants, as well as Miss Teen USA...
1994 - Wesley Quinn: Dancer/singer in popular boyband V Factory (Asher BookAsher BookAsher Monroe Book is an American dancer, singer and actor.-Early life:Born in Arlington, Virginia in 1988, Asher started working professionally when he was seven years old...
from the remake of Fame is also in V Factory), graduated from Wren High School in Piedmont, South CarolinaPiedmont, South CarolinaPiedmont is a census-designated place along the Saluda River in Anderson and Greenville counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 4,684 at the 2000 census....
. - Jim Ed RiceJim RiceJames Edward "Jim" Rice , nicknamed "Jim Ed", is a former Major League Baseball left fielder.Jim Rice played his entire career for the Boston Red Sox from 1974 to 1989...
: former professional baseball player with the Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
from 1974 to 1989. Member of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame - Class of 2009 - Jessica StroupJessica StroupJessica Leigh Stroup is an American actress and fashion model. Stroup is best known for her role as Erin Silver on The CW television series 90210, a spin-off to the original Beverly Hills, 90210...
: Actress on the CW TV show 9021090210 (TV series)90210 is an American teen drama television series developed by Rob Thomas, Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs, and the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise created by Darren Star. 90210 is the first series produced by CBS Productions under the company's re-launch, but is now produced by CBS... - Ben TaylorBen Taylor (Negro Leagues)Benjamin Harrison Taylor was an American first baseman and manager in baseball's Negro leagues. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006....
: former Negro League professional baseball player from 1908 to 1929 and Manager/Coach from 1929 to 1940. Member of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame - Class of 2006 - James Michael TylerJames Michael TylerJames Michael Tyler is a US actor best known for his role as Gunther on the NBC sitcom Friends.-Biography:James Michael Tyler was born the youngest of six children on 28 May 1962 in Winona, Mississippi, US to a retired Air Force captain and a homemaker...
: actor who portrayed Gunther on the NBC sitcom FriendsFriendsFriends is an American sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which aired on NBC from September 22, 1994 to May 6, 2004. The series revolves around a group of friends in Manhattan. The series was produced by Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television...
, alumnus of Anderson University - George Webster: former AFL and NFL football player. two time All American at Michigan State University, 1965-66. ABC television's Defensive Player of the Decade. elected to College Football Hall of Fame, 1987. 1967 AFL Rookie of the Year. selected to AFL All Time Team. three time Pro Bowl linebacker.
Sister cities
Anderson has one sister city, as designated by Sister Cities InternationalSister Cities International
Sister Cities International is a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network that creates and strengthens partnerships between United States and international communities. More than 2,000 cities, states and counties are partnered in 136 countries around the world...
. Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus , known locally and colloquially as "Carrick", is a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is located on the north shore of Belfast Lough, from Belfast. The town had a population of 27,201 at the 2001 Census and takes its name from Fergus Mór mac Eirc, the 6th century king...
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
External links
- United States 2010 Census
- Official Web site of the City of Anderson
- Anderson University Web Site
- Anderson Independent, area newspaper
- Official tourism information site for Anderson County
- Anderson County Arts Center
- Electric City Playhouse
- Historical Marker Database Anderson, S.C.: The Electric City Historical Marker