Springwood Cemetery Historic Walking Tour in Greer, SC
Difficulty
easy
Duration
75 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as the walking is slow-paced and mostly flat with some uneven terrain.
Overview
Explore Greenville’s rich past on a 75-minute walking tour through South Carolina’s oldest municipal cemetery. Led by 'Big Chuck,' uncover stories of local legends and unknown heroes in a peaceful outdoor setting.
Springwood Cemetery Historic Walking Tour
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About This Adventure
Join "Big Chuck" for a captivating 75-minute walking tour of Springwood Cemetery, the oldest municipal cemetery in South Carolina. Discover the rich history of Greenville through tales of its first leaders, legendary figures, and unknown Confederate soldiers, all while exploring historic photos and the cemetery's beautiful grounds.
A Springwood Cemetery Walking Tour is literally like walking back through time in our city's history. The tour, led by "Big Chuck," will include the origins of the cemetery, the Confederate Park and 80 graves of unknown Confederate soldiers, plus more than 2 dozen stories about those who reside in the cemetery for eternity. During our 75-minute walk we will meet the first city leaders, the earliest mayors, those whose legends live on in the street names of Greenville, the legendary businessmen, the good guys, the legends, the scoundrels, and many surprises along the way (many historic photos will be shown during the tour). The walk begins at the ornate historic front gate to Springwood, which is the oldest municipal cemetery in South Carolina. This tour is for those who love the history of Greenville, and the stories of those who created our beautiful city. *this is not a ghost or paranormal tour
Duration: 75-90 minutes on Fridays
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour involves walking on uneven, historic paths and gravely surfaces, so sturdy shoes are important.
Bring water and stay hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry water to stay refreshed throughout the 75-minute tour.
Arrive early for parking
Springwood Cemetery has limited parking; arriving 10-15 minutes before your tour start time helps secure a spot.
Respect cemetery etiquette
Keep voices low, do not disturb gravesites, and follow the guide’s instructions to honor the historic setting.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern gray squirrels commonly dart among the trees.
- Occasional sightings of barred owls during dusk add to the atmosphere.
History
Springwood Cemetery was established in 1860 and holds significant ties to Greenville's founding families and Civil War history.
Conservation
Efforts are underway to preserve the cemetery’s historic gravestones and maintain the natural landscape in an ecologically sensitive way.
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Adventure Hotspots in Greenville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides support and stability on uneven cemetery paths.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during warmer months on the outdoor tour.
summer specific
Light rain jacket
Protects against occasional spring showers.
spring specific
Layered clothing
Adjust layers for fluctuating fall temperatures.
fall specific