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Buffalo is a community in Union County located in central South Carolina's Piedmont. Its name originates from the "buffalo lick" springs—a natural saline area where herds of buffalo once gathered to lick the exposed rock and salt deposits. Early settlers arrived in the late 18th century as Scots-Irish and German families cleared farmland and built log cabins, taking advantage of the land's resources and access to early trade routes. Over time, the salt licks became less significant but lent the town its name and pointed to its prehistoric natural value.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Buffalo grew as part of South Carolina's textile boom. The Buffalo Mill was constructed in 1901 and became the economic heart of the community for decades, employing hundreds of workers and supporting families in the mill village. The mill village included housing, a company store, church, and social institutions that structured daily life for workers and their families. The textile industry shaped Buffalo's built landscape and culture, embedding it within the broader regional story of Southern industrialization.

As infrastructure evolved, Buffalo benefited from improved transportation and accessibility. Road networks such as U.S. Highways and state highways connected the town to nearby cities, while the older rail sidings that served the mill boosted goods movement. With the decline of domestic textile manufacturing in the late 20th century, Buffalo shifted toward a more diversified economy. Some of the mill buildings remain and serve as historic landmarks or redevelopment sites; others have been repurposed for light industry or community use.

Community life in Buffalo has long been defined by the rhythms of mill-village life and, more recently, by transition toward broader residential and mixed-use character. Local schools, churches, and the legacy of the mill village remain central to identity. Civic groups, historical societies and urban renewal initiatives have focused on preserving architectural heritage while promoting growth. The town continues to hold onto its sense of community even as employment patterns have changed.

Today Buffalo offers a compelling mix of historic charm and residential opportunity. The mill towers remain iconic landmarks, while newer homes and neighborhoods have grown around the fringes. Its central location in Union County, combined with access to regional highways and a more affordable cost of living compared to larger metro areas, make Buffalo attractive to families, investors and professionals. With both past and present woven into its fabric, Buffalo presents a durable and evolving place to live in the South Carolina Piedmont.