News Summary

Greenville, South Carolina, honors Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene while acknowledging the Cherokee history that predates the city’s founding. The statue of Greene stands at the Upcountry History Museum, highlighting both American and Indigenous legacies. City efforts to represent Cherokee heritage continue to evolve, as the community seeks to recognize the historical complexities of land ownership and culture in the region.

Greenville Honors Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene and Acknowledges Cherokee History in its Founding

Greenville, South Carolina, pays tribute to Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene while also recognizing the region’s Cherokee history. This dual acknowledgment reflects the city’s rich, complex past and highlights the significance of both Native American and Revolutionary influences in shaping the area.

The bronze statue of Greene, which now stands prominently in front of the Upcountry History Museum, symbolizes the general’s critical role in the outcome of the American Revolution. As a key strategist, Greene’s leadership in various battles was essential to the colonists’ aspirations for independence, demonstrating remarkable military skill that turned the tide in favor of American forces.

Sarah Wright, an education coordinator at the museum, emphasizes Greene’s impact on the quest for liberty during the American Revolution. Greene, originally born into a family of Rhode Island Quakers, was appointed by George Washington to command the Southern Department of the Continental Army due to his prior successes in battles such as Trenton, Monmouth, and his strategic insights displayed at Valley Forge. His appointment came after the defeat of General Horatio Gates, showcasing the confidence Washington and others had in Greene’s capabilities.

In 1780, Greene famously divided his smaller force to outmaneuver the British Army under Lt. General Charles Cornwallis. His innovative strategies included a collaboration with Frontiersman Daniel Morgan, resulting in a decisive victory at the Battle of Cowpens. This battle played a crucial role in foreshadowing the British defeat at Yorktown, further solidifying Greene’s legacy in American history. Greene passed away in June 1786, and his remains are honored at Johnson Square in Savannah, Georgia.

The history of Greenville itself has undergone transformations throughout the centuries. Initially known as Pleasantburgh, the town was renamed in 1812 to honor General Greene. However, the land was originally home to the Cherokee and Catawba tribes, who endured significant changes in land ownership dynamics as the area transitioned to settler control. The first British settler, Richard Pearis, established a plantation and entered into a marriage with a Cherokee woman, introducing further complexities to the region’s history of land ownership and Native rights.

Following the 1776 war between settlers and the Cherokee, the latter relinquished most of their territory through the Treaty of 1777. Subsequent treaties continued to diminish Cherokee land holdings, forcing them into nearby counties. Today, there is a notable lack of markers and statues acknowledging Cherokee history in Greenville compared to its neighboring counties, although there have been efforts to correct this oversight.

A statue commemorating the Cherokee “going to water” ceremony was erected in 2017, while the Greenville Water Department commissioned the “Water Blessing” statue to celebrate the area’s Indigenous heritage. The offerings to recognize Cherokee history have been limited, with greater representation seen in surrounding regions. However, local institutions like Furman University and the Upcountry History Museum are taking steps to enhance educational initiatives focused on Cherokee history.

Additionally, the Reedy River and Great Cane Brake names are reminders of the area’s Indigenous origins, further connecting present-day Greenville to its past. Although the city has made strides in honoring its diverse history, the acknowledgment of Cherokee roots remains less emphasized, prompting calls for increased recognition and representation.

As of 2020, the statue of Nathanael Greene was relocated to Heritage Green, located near the Upcountry History Museum, continuing the ongoing narrative of Greenville’s acknowledgment of both its Revolutionary War heritage and its Cherokee legacy.

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Additional Resources

• Fox Carolina: Greenville’s Namesake
• Post and Courier: Cherokee History in Greenville
• Greenville Journal: Art in Focus – General Nathanael Greene
• Greenville Online: Nathanael Greene Statue in New Location
• Wikipedia: Nathanael Greene
• Google Search: Cherokee history Greenville

Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE

The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.