Have you ever noticed that the places that stand out as most desirable and sought after often have managed to retain the character and charm of days gone by? Not always, but … take for example, Charleston consistently ranks top in the nation and even the world as a city that travelers want to visit. There’s obviously a lot we love about modern upgrades, but there’s something to be said for integrating the new without completely eliminating the old. We absolutely can and should appreciate both! Kind of like the quote regarding friends that goes, “Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver, the other is gold.” And oh, the gold we have in our state! A historic small town called Liberty, South Carolina is overflowing with this sort of old-world charm.
Where is Liberty South Carolina? Liberty is in Pickens County west of Greenville, NC.
This Veterans Service Station, located at 404 East Main Street, is perhaps the best testament to the town's proud history.
At the station, you'll see this historical marker, which reads:
Liberty was founded in 1776 by a group of Patriots and
was named for that principle for which they so bravely fought.
City Officials 1935
Mayor: Dr. E.J. Bryson
Treas.: C.L. Templeton
Alderman
C.E. Bush
H.F. Hunt
G.F. Smith
F.N. Gossett
Water Comm.
J.C. Boggs, Chm
J.M. Abbott
P.A. Kay
H.A. Davis, Sup.
Police Dept.
Chief: J.W. Julian
J.L. Mills
Streets
Jeff Jamison
Shell Gas
The town does a wonderful job of preserving this incredible legacy. The building no longer serves as a gas station but is listed in the historical marker database along with its history. Built in 1935 using local stone from the nearby
Liberty Rock Quarry, it currently houses a barber shop. There's also a World War I memorial near the building.
Commerce Street intersects Main Street and is really where much of the heart of the town is found, with businesses located in the old buildings that have remained ever since they were first built, just repurposed once the original occupants moved on.
You'll see the American flag emphasized throughout the town.
This beautiful patriotic mural was added to the side of one of the main buildings on South Commerce Street that currently houses Bodyworks Therapeutic Massage.
In 2022, the town debuted a mascot, Bertie the Eagle, at a Trick or Treat event in October. So fun!
Not only does this historic town look seemingly stuck in time, but it also very much feels this way, too. The people who live here are very community-minded and take time together as they go about life, reminiscent of the Mayberry atmosphere many of us love. It's important even as we lead busy lives to take time for our neighbors and friends!
Pictured here, the town of Liberty is celebrating the opening of a new business with a ribbon cutting event.
The town goes all-in for the high school homecoming event.
After catching a football game at Morris Field in Liberty SC, swing by West Main Street. You'll want to stop by the quaint Liberty Bell Restaurant for a step back in time and a meat and three meal or burger, fries, and a milkshake.
If you're spending the day or longer exploring Liberty, don't miss an incredible whole hog barbecue meal at Circle M BBQ at 345 Martin Sausage Road.
These two photos were taken when the mayor and a town councilman visited the eight-grade History of Liberty projects, which included recreations of some of the recognizable locations around town. The students also researched the history of each place to share. It's always refreshing to see some "old-school" methods still being utilized in the classroom!
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With a 2022 population of just under 3,300, this is such a creative little town, as seen here with a Christmas parade float from the 2021 season's festivities.
Last, but not least, you can see this sharecropper's house at Silva Terra Nature Park.
The park is located at 1161 Melton Road and includes over 30 acres of trails, forests, and a clear, sandy-bottom creek to explore. The park has offered special seasonal events in the past but is currently open by appointment only. Check the Silva Terra Nature Park Facebook page for more details.
Have you ever been to the charming, historic small town of Liberty, South Carolina, and if so, what was your experience there like? If there are some fun things to do in Liberty, SC that you have discovered, share them with us in the comments.
What are some other small towns you’ve been to that deserve a look that we’ve never featured before? Send us an attraction nomination so we can check them out!
If you are up for a small-town road trip, here are some of our favorites in SC. Hop in the RV and start exploring the most charming cities in South Carolina.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/south-carolina/15-charming-sc-towns/
Conway, SC is a wonderful town near Myrtle Beach. See why it is one of our go-to destinations in South Carolina in this quick video:
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