History Moment - What Happened In Greenville, SC During March?

Greenville, SC has a rich history with many significant events taking place in the area. Here are a few notable events that occurred in Greenville during the month of March.  Get to know more of our history! 

1.      The evacuation of Greenville during the Civil War was a significant moment in the city's history. The Confederate forces were retreating as part of a larger effort to avoid being cut off by the advancing Union army. The Union troops occupied the city for several days, and it was during this time that the city's prominent citizens, including James L. Orr and Benjamin F. Perry, approached Union General Stoneman about restoring civilian government to the state. This ultimately led to the establishment of the state's first post-war government.
2.      President Theodore Roosevelt's visit to Greenville in 1903 was part of a larger tour of the South that he undertook to promote national unity and reconciliation in the wake of the Civil War. During his speech at the Greenville County Courthouse, he emphasized the importance of education and economic development in the South. His visit was well-received, and he was welcomed with parades and banquets throughout the city.
3.      The sit-in protests at the F.W. Woolworth store in 1960 were part of a larger effort to desegregate public spaces throughout the South. The protests were led by local black students, who were inspired by similar protests in other cities. Despite facing harassment and violence from white customers and employees, the protesters remained nonviolent and were eventually successful in desegregating the store.
4.      The 1978 UFO sighting in Greenville received national attention at the time. Witnesses reported seeing a strange, glowing object in the sky that moved in an erratic and unpredictable manner. Some witnesses reported feeling a sense of unease or fear during the sighting. The incident remains unexplained to this day and continues to be a subject of interest for UFO enthusiasts.
5.      The tornado that struck downtown Greenville in 2017 caused significant damage to buildings and trees in the area. Despite the destruction, the community came together to support one another and begin the process of rebuilding. The event also highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for ongoing efforts to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters.