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Belton, South Carolina, sits in the heart of Anderson County and embodies the character of a true Southern railway town that blossomed from its agricultural beginnings into a vibrant community. Before European settlement, the area that would become Belton was inhabited by Cherokee tribes who farmed, hunted, and traded along the lush foothills of the Piedmont. In the early 1800s, settlers from Virginia and North Carolina migrated into the area, drawn by fertile soil and the promise of cotton farming. Belton's development truly began in the 1840s when the Greenville and Columbia Railroad established a depot here, linking the community to regional trade networks and sparking population growth.

By the mid-19th century, Belton had become a vital shipping point for cotton, timber, and agricultural products. The arrival of the railroad not only stimulated commerce but also helped establish the town as a regional hub. Businesses, schools, and churches sprang up around the depot, and the town was officially incorporated in 1855. The name "Belton" was derived from Judge John Belton O'Neall, a respected South Carolina jurist and historian. During the Civil War, Belton—like much of the Upstate—saw its economy disrupted, but it quickly rebounded during Reconstruction, fueled by the rise of the textile industry.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Belton became known for its thriving mills, which provided steady employment and helped shape its close-knit community. The Belton Mills, which opened in 1900, transformed the town into an industrial hub within Anderson County. Workers lived in company-built mill villages, where schools, churches, and recreational facilities fostered a strong sense of community. The textile boom continued for decades, and the town's prosperity was closely tied to the success of its mills and rail connections. Infrastructure improved during this time as well, with new roads linking Belton to Anderson and Honea Path, and later, access to U.S. Highways 76 and 178 strengthened its economic reach.

As the textile industry declined in the mid-20th century, Belton adapted by diversifying its economy. Small manufacturing firms, retail businesses, and service industries began to take root. The city preserved much of its historic charm, maintaining the Belton Standpipe—an iconic water tower built in 1909—as a local landmark and symbol of community pride. The Belton Center for the Arts and the annual Belton Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival highlight the town's dedication to culture and creativity. Belton also earned national recognition as the home of the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame, celebrating its long connection to tennis excellence through the Belton Tennis Association's historic tournaments.

Today, Belton represents the perfect blend of small-town character and modern appeal. Its well-preserved downtown features antique shops, cafes, and art galleries that draw visitors from across the Upstate. The community boasts excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to nearby urban centers like Anderson and Greenville. Residents enjoy a high quality of life supported by local traditions, civic pride, and a spirit of togetherness. Belton's mix of history, hospitality, and resilience continues to define it as one of Anderson County's most beloved and enduring towns.