Anderson

Anderson is the county seat in Upstate South Carolina, near the borders with Georgia and North Carolina. The town spreads across gentle hills of the Piedmont Plateau along the Interstate 85 corridor between Charlotte and Atlanta.

The town was incorporated in December 1833 as Anderson Court House, named after a Revolutionary War veteran. Industrialization shaped its growth in the late 19th century through hydroelectric plants and textile mills.

The name honors Robert Anderson, a soldier from the Revolutionary War, and the university draws students from multiple states. Many residents work in manufacturing or commute to nearby economic centers in the Piedmont belt.

The downtown area can be explored on foot, while factory sites and commercial zones usually lie outside the center. Many parks and public buildings offer parking and walkways for visitors.

A hydroelectric plant on Rocky River brought electric light to the town in 1895, earning it the nickname Electric City. This plant was among the first of its kind in the Southeast of the United States.

Location: Anderson County

Inception: 1833

Elevation above the sea: 241 m

Part of: Upstate South Carolina

Website: http://cityofandersonsc.com

GPS coordinates: 34.50333,-82.65028

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:21