How well do you know your town?

+%28Top+left%29+Paris+Mountain%2C+travelersrestthere.com%3B+%28Bottom+left%29+Furman+Library%2C+Wikipedia%3B+%28Middle%29+Downtown+Travelers+Rest%2C+WSPA.com%3B+%28Top+right%29+Old+Renfrew+Mill%2C+Wikipedia%3B+%28Bottom+left%29+Furman+Library%2C+Wikipedia%3B

(Top left) Paris Mountain, travelersrestthere.com; (Bottom left) Furman Library, Wikipedia; (Middle) Downtown Travelers Rest, WSPA.com; (Top right) Old Renfrew Mill, Wikipedia; (Bottom left) Furman Library, Wikipedia;

Through the years, the town of Travelers Rest has grown immensely. It has created an adventurous, yet family-oriented environment for all who pass through. Its rich history has set a pathway for more memories and stories to be made in the upcoming years. For the locals, the question is, “How well do you know your town?”

Here are some interesting places, stories and landmarks that will make you rethink how much you know about where you live.

  • Where did Travelers Rest Begin? — The original residents of Travelers Rest were Indian tribes such as the Catawba, the Creek, and the Cherokee. TR got its beginnings in the late 1700’s after a wagon road to Asheville and Knoxville was completed. Cattle Drovers needed places to stay which increased the amount of hotels and taverns available for them to rest in, hence the name Travelers Rest.

 

  • The Carolina, Knoxville & Western Railway- Also known as the Swamp Rabbit, was an established railroad that later went unused for many years. Starting in the heart of TR, the old train tracks were eventually transformed from an abandoned railroad to an enormously successful trail. The Swamp Rabbit Trail was extended from Greenville, through Travelers Rest to Marietta, and Cleveland. The Swamp Rabbit Trail has brought many new businesses and encouraged growth in the population of TR. The Swamp Rabbit has created its own sense of community by providing a safer outlet for runners, families, and cyclists. The Trail absolutely revitalized the town of Travelers Rest and made Travelers Rest one of the coolest small towns of the South.

 

  • Whistle Stop Cafe- Located on what was once the railway, it was originally a whistle stop, which is a place where conductors would stop when given a signal. It was named, the American Cafe in 1945, but now it is known as the Whistle Stop Cafe, located right on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The new and renovated Whistle Stop Cafe still has the original bar stools inside the restaurant and if you just ask, they will even blow the train whistle for customers’ enjoyment. For many long-time locals, the cafe still brings to mind the old memories it once had and is a great environment for families to gather and create new traditions together.

 

 

  • Furman Univesity- The University was once a part of the Southern Baptist college of SC for years, began in 1826. Furman University has a rich history and is known to be one of the most scenic Universities in the US.  It went through a huge transformation, however, now it is not part of Southern Baptist convention anymore. It has been called the “Harvard of the South” or part of the “Ivy League of the South.”

 

  • The Renfrew Mill in Travelers Rest during WWII- Many of the materials used in WWII passed along, right through this mill in the small town of TR. Renfrew Mill was a major help to soldiers in WWII by producing protective and water-repellant uniforms. The mill, which eventually turned into a textile bleachery, was even recommended by the federal government for helping clothe and assist soldiers during the war. Years later, the bleachery turned into a congregation which is now Renfrew Baptist Church.

Travelers Rest holds many more interesting historical treasures and these are just a few. So TR resident, be proud of your rich heritage and continue to appreciate the big legacy of our small town.