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Nestled in the rolling hills of Chester County, Lando, South Carolina, holds a unique and storied place in the state's industrial and cultural history. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Catawba, the area that became Lando was a lush wilderness of forests and streams, offering rich natural resources to its early inhabitants. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, drawn to the fertile land and the accessibility of waterways that provided power for gristmills and sawmills. By the early 19th century, the community began to take shape, though it remained largely agricultural for decades. Lando's location near Fishing Creek made it an ideal site for industrial development, and it was this natural advantage that would define the town's destiny in the years ahead.

Lando's most defining chapter began with the rise of the textile industry in the late 1800s. The Manetta Mills Company, founded in 1890 by local entrepreneur J.H. Van Ness, established a major textile mill that would become the heartbeat of the town for generations. Producing yarn and cotton goods, Manetta Mills grew rapidly and provided employment for hundreds of workers in the area. The mill owned much of the town, including worker housing, stores, and community facilities, forming a classic Southern mill village. For much of the 20th century, Lando thrived as a self-contained industrial community where daily life revolved around the rhythm of the mill whistle and the bonds between neighbors.

Infrastructure and transportation developments helped sustain Lando's growth during its industrial peak. Although the town remained relatively isolated compared to larger cities, the expansion of nearby railroads and improved roadways in Chester County connected Lando to markets across the region. Highways such as SC-9 and SC-97 provided routes to Chester, Great Falls, and Rock Hill, enhancing commerce and access. The mill village itself featured neatly arranged rows of homes, a school, a company store, and recreational spaces—a microcosm of early 20th-century working-class life in the South. The community's close-knit nature and shared identity around Manetta Mills created a unique cultural and social fabric that endured even as the textile industry began to decline.

When Manetta Mills closed in the early 1980s, it marked the end of an era for Lando, yet the town's residents preserved their heritage with remarkable dedication. The Lando Manetta Mills History Center, established in the preserved mill buildings, stands today as a tribute to the community's legacy and a reminder of its vital role in South Carolina's textile story. The town's small population reflects both its industrial past and the resilience of those who chose to remain and honor their history. Community events, historical tours, and educational programs keep Lando's story alive, connecting new generations to the experiences of mill workers and their families who helped shape the region's identity.

Today, Lando is a peaceful rural community that blends history, natural beauty, and quiet charm. Its location near the Catawba River and Fishing Creek Reservoir makes it attractive for outdoor enthusiasts, while its proximity to Chester and Rock Hill ensures access to modern conveniences. Visitors often come to experience the Lando Manetta Mills History Center and explore the town's preserved structures, which stand as living monuments to the South's industrial evolution. Though small in size, Lando's historical significance and enduring spirit make it a cherished part of Chester County's landscape—a place where the echoes of the past continue to inspire pride and preservation.