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Pacolet Mills, South Carolina, is a historic mill village located just east of Spartanburg, and it represents one of the most distinctive examples of early 20th-century industrial planning in the Upstate. Before the establishment of the textile mills that gave the community its name, this area was primarily rural farmland settled in the late 1700s by European pioneers, largely of Scots-Irish and English descent. The Cherokee Nation originally occupied much of the land, relying on the nearby Pacolet River for sustenance and trade. Early settlers were drawn by the river's water power and fertile soil, which made it ideal for farming and small-scale milling.

The industrial identity of Pacolet Mills began to form in the late 19th century with the founding of the Pacolet Manufacturing Company. Following the success of other textile operations in Spartanburg County, the company saw potential in harnessing the Pacolet River's energy to power large mills. By the early 1900s, a planned mill village had been established, complete with worker housing, a company store, schools, and churches. The Pacolet Mills complex was among the largest of its kind in the South at the time, producing high-quality cotton fabrics that were shipped across the nation. Life in the mill village revolved around the rhythm of the textile operation — the whistle marking the start and end of each workday was a familiar sound across the community.

The development of transportation networks further boosted Pacolet Mills' growth. The railroad connected the village to Spartanburg, allowing raw materials and finished textiles to move efficiently. Roads were improved, linking Pacolet Mills to nearby towns like Cowpens and Clifton. However, in 1903, a catastrophic flood struck the area, devastating the mills and homes along the river. The disaster destroyed much of the lower mill complex, but the company quickly rebuilt, constructing stronger, more modern facilities that continued operations for decades. This period of rebuilding became a defining moment in Pacolet Mills' history — a testament to the resilience and determination of its people.

Throughout the 20th century, Pacolet Mills remained a thriving textile community. The company-owned village was a close-knit society, where generations of families worked in the mill, attended church together, and participated in community events sponsored by the company. In the mid-20th century, as textile production began to decline in the South, Pacolet Mills adapted by diversifying its economy and modernizing its infrastructure. The community gradually transitioned from a company-owned village to a more independent residential area, while still preserving its rich industrial heritage.

Today, Pacolet Mills retains much of its historical character, with several original mill homes and structures still standing as symbols of its past. The area offers a peaceful, family-oriented environment surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Pacolet River Valley. Residents enjoy the benefits of small-town life while remaining close to the amenities of Spartanburg. Ongoing preservation efforts celebrate the community's deep roots in the textile industry, ensuring that Pacolet Mills' legacy as a hardworking and resilient Southern mill town continues to be honored.