What’s in a name? As it turns out, quite a lot.
We’re indulging in some Greenville linguistics today, specifically with a look at some local toponymy — the study of place names.
White Horse Road
As with many names, the origin of the long road which lines the western side of Greenville has been subject to various theories over the years. Today, an accepted explanation is that the name comes from an old tavern — the White Horse Inn.
A few miles from Travelers Rest, the tavern provided, you guessed it, a reprieve for those on their travels. The horse in question was painted on a sign outside and on the inn’s chimney.
Five Forks
A look at a map will help explain this one. The neighborhood in eastern Greenville County has five major roads running into it: Woodruff, Batesville, Scuffletown, South Bennetts Bridge, and Five Forks.
Cherrydale Alumni House
This Greek Revival-style building originally sat on Green Farm after being built by the same family for whom this city is named. It was renamed “Cherrydale Mansion” in the 1870s because of the abundance of cherry trees that sat on the property.
At that same time, it was the home of James Clement Furman, whose family lived there until 1939. Then, 60 years later, it was moved five miles up Poinsett Highway to the highest point on Furman University’s campus, where it remains today.
Reedy River
In a world of overthinkers, the Reedy is a breath of fresh air. A lot of reeds grow along it.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Isoprene. That’s one of the volatile organic compounds released by trees within the mountains which cast a blue haze over the region. Oaks and conifers are especially responsible for releasing the compounds.
Fun fact: the Blue Ridge Mountains contain 158 species of tree.
South Carolina
Let’s end with a little state toponymy. “Carolina” is born from the Latin word for Charles, “Carolus,” after King Charles I. The English King made the original land grant in 1629.
Our state is one of several up the Eastern Seaboard with a connection to the British monarchy:
- Georgia is named after King George II.
- Virginia is named in honor of Elizabeth I, known as “The Virgin Queen” because she never married or had children.
- And most closely linked with the Carolinas is Maryland, named after Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I.
If you know any additional name origin tidbits from the Greenville area, send them in. We’d love to share them in a future newsletter.
