Points of Interest

Star Fort

Designated as Ninety Six National Historic Site, the state park contains a visitor's center and museum, the 18th century Black Swan Tavern and the site of the ruins of the British star fort and the patriots' siege lines. The fort has been preserved in good condition to depict the 1781 siege of the British loyalists. Although the Revolutionary patriots, under the generalship of Nathaniel Greene, failed in their Siege of Ninety Six, the victorious loyalists soon abandoned the fort for a post nearer to the coast.

Park Seed Gardens

Just a few miles north of Maxwell Springs is Park Seed Company and its world famous flower gardens and trial grounds. Park Seed Company is one of the largest mail order seed companies in the world, and one of the oldest- founded in 1868. Each year Park Seed plants thousands of annual and perennial flowers in an effort to select the best varieties to offer to home gardeners across America. The gardens are open to the public and thousands of tourists visit every year to see what's new in horticulture. Annually, in mid-to-late June, Park Seed becomes the center point for the South Carolina Festival of Flowers held in and about Greenwood.

Cokesbury College

Six miles north of Greenwood, in the historic community of Cokesbury, is the restored Cokesbury College. The college is open to the public on a periodic basis and is popular as an attractive site for civic gatherings and weddings. Cokesbury College also preserves period rooms with artifacts and antiques of the 1800s. Built in 1854, Cokesbury College is one of the earliest Masonic Female Collegiate Institutes in the rural Southeast.

Old Town Greenwood

Steeped in history, "Up Town" Greenwood is proud to claim the widest main street in the world, which developed around the depots and railroad tracks; the Callie Self Memorial Carillon, which consists of 37 bells in a 3 octave scale cast in Holland by the Van Bergen Bell foundries; the Railroad Historical Center, whose exhibits celebrate the role of the railroad in Greenwood's history; the Greenwood Community Theater, offering a full season of dramatic plays, comedies and musicals; and The Museum, which captures the history of both Greenwood and Up State South Carolina.

Emerald Farms

Just outside of Greenwood is one of the most unique shopping experiences you may ever experience. Take the kids and visit this little wonderland with its model train system, earthy and healthy supplies, and its Saanen Goat Milk Soap factory. You can see how the finest soap in the world is produced...all the way from the udder to its signature molded product. You'll want to take a skin-softening bath as soon as you get home!

The South Carolina National Heritage Corridor

We're Region 2 of the Heritage Corridor, which runs from the mountains to the sea. Nearby are 18 historic, cultural and nature sites that tell the vibrant story of our part of South Carolina. All 240 miles and 14 counties that comprise the Heritage Corridor can be enjoyed by car with an easy day trip or two. Tour maps are available from: The South Carolina National Corridor, 1205 Pendleton St, Columbia, SC 29201.

Abbeville Square and Opera House

Less than 15 miles from Maxwell Springs lies the small village of Abbeville- steeped in southern history and a delight to visit for a step back in time. The brick street square is encircled with restaurants, shops and the historic Belmont Inn and the beautiful Abbeville Opera House. There always seems to be some play or event going on that attracts visitors from near and far. Abbeville is one of the classic southern villages our Founders researched for inspiration for some of the best characteristics of Maxwell Springs.

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