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Lyman, South Carolina, located in western Spartanburg County, has a rich and distinctive history tied closely to the textile industry that shaped much of the Upstate region. Before industrialization, this area was settled by farmers and traders of Scots-Irish and English descent during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The land was characterized by rolling hills, fertile soil, and proximity to the Middle Tyger River, which would later become central to the town's economic life. The community that would become Lyman remained rural and sparsely populated for over a century, its residents primarily engaged in small-scale agriculture, hunting, and trading with nearby Spartanburg and Greenville.

The transformation of Lyman began in the early 20th century with the establishment of the Pacific Mills textile plant. Founded in 1923, the company built not only a massive mill but also an entire planned village to house its workers. The town was named after Arthur T. Lyman, one of the key figures associated with the Pacific Mills enterprise. The mill became a cornerstone of the local economy, producing textiles that were distributed throughout the United States and beyond. The Lyman Mill Village featured hundreds of homes, a community center, a school, and recreational facilities — a self-contained community that fostered a strong sense of identity and camaraderie among its residents.

Over the decades, Lyman's infrastructure expanded alongside its economic growth. The construction of U.S. Highway 29 and later Interstate 85 improved access to nearby Spartanburg and Greenville, facilitating the movement of goods and workers. The textile industry's dominance continued through much of the mid-20th century, though the town gradually diversified as new industries emerged in the Upstate. When Pacific Mills eventually closed in the late 20th century, it marked the end of an era, but Lyman's resilient population adapted. The community transitioned from a mill village into a thriving residential and light industrial area.

Community life in Lyman has long been defined by its close-knit character and pride in its heritage. Churches, schools, and local civic organizations continue to play an important role in daily life, while annual events and historical commemorations celebrate the town's roots. The Lyman Mill Village Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as a reminder of the town's industrial origins and community-centered design. Residents value both the town's historical significance and its modern potential, maintaining a balance between preservation and progress.

Modern Lyman is part of the rapidly growing Greenville-Spartanburg metropolitan corridor, known for its excellent quality of life and expanding economy. The area offers a mix of suburban comfort and rural tranquility, with convenient access to major employers, shopping centers, and recreational areas. The Middle Tyger River remains a scenic highlight, attracting kayakers and nature enthusiasts. Families are drawn to Lyman for its good schools, affordable housing, and safe neighborhoods. Though it has evolved far beyond its mill village beginnings, Lyman retains the welcoming spirit and industrious energy that have defined it for nearly a century — making it one of the Upstate's most charming and livable communities.