Seated in the heart of the Dutch Fork area of Newberry County, the architecture of Little Mountain, SC, tells a story of hard-working people and rich community.
The town lies at the feet of Little Mountain, the origin of its name, and thirty miles southeast of Columbia. Early residents of Little Mountain were farmers of corn, cotton, and grain, a resilient and resourceful people. Sam Birge and Arthur Kohn owned the east side of Little Mountain for years until the Derrick family purchased it in the 1930s. The west side of the mountain, and what eventually became the town of Little Mountain, was owned by Abraham N. Boland — a family name that would play a prominent role throughout the town’s history.
The Bolands’ farmland became the site of a CN&L (Columbia, Newberry, and Laurens) Railroad depot, propelling the area into growth and flourishing. The lucrative railroad organization brought with it increased business, revenue, and population for the entire area. Little Mountain was officially incorporated as a town in 1890, and Abraham N. Boland — now known as the Father of Little Mountain — was dubbed the first mayor.
Family life and new traditions awaited the fledging town, and one of the most beloved was the annual Little Mountain Reunion. In 1882, the festival was organized in hopes of drawing budding scholars’ attention to the newly founded Newberry College. Event planners tried hosting the festival at a few different locations, but when it was moved to Little Mountain for the first time, it was recognized as an instant success! When the CN&L Railroad stationed itself in Little Mountain in 1890, it brought even more visitors and excitement to the celebration, transporting people from all over — Irmo, Chapin, Prosperity, and beyond. The festival has come and gone through the years, but now it is as alive and prosperous as ever, drawing thousands to the little town for mouth-watering foods, live music, car shows, and more.
We hope you’ll have a chance to visit this fun-filled celebration this year on August 2-3, 2024. You’ll feel as though you’re taking a step back in time as you drive through the quaint historic district, a collection of homes and businesses built mostly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. True to that era, these homes and buildings showcase a variety of architectural styles including Gothic Revival, Colonial Revival, Victorian, and more. A trip through Little Mountain will feel like a trip down memory lane, charming visitors both young and old.
Written by Rebecca Jenkins