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From Indian and European Settlements to a Prosperous Small Town
Although Fort Mill did not receive its charter as a town until 1873, people have called the area “home” for centuries. The earliest Catawba Indian artifact dates to 600 A.D., and it’s estimated that as many as 30,000 Catawbas once lived in the area now known as Fort Mill. Centuries later, the area’s population is expected to reach 30,000 again, with some estimates projecting 35,000 by the year 2015.
Growth is nothing new for Fort Mill. As early as 1650, the historic Nation Ford Road brought settlers and traders through a Catawba Indian reservation and township called Fort Hill. By the time the Catawbas sold that land to South Carolina in 1840, settlers living in Fort Hill had changed its name to Fort Mill, after an old grist mill and British garrison near the town.
The railroad and textile manufacturing boom in the 19th century led to the creation of Springs Industries, which is now the largest textile company in the world. Springs has been one of Fort Mill’s closest companions, growing along with the town. Since its founding in 1887, Springs has been guided by benevolent town leaders who have given back to the community by strengthening the education system and creating the Anne Springs Close Greenway.
In 2005, Clear Springs Development Company, LLC chose Crescent Resources to develop a community around the Springfield Golf Club. Crescent decided that Springfield would look as a Fort Mill community should, including classic Southern architecture and plenty of open space.
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