Converse Heights is a neighborhood on Spartanburg’s east side that contains roughly 500 homes. Most of the dwellings in Converse Heights were built between 1907 and the 1950s, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. The Historic Marker is located on East Main Street at Mills Avenue, directly across the street from Converse College.
In the early 1900s, due to the textile and railroad boom, (and the increasing popularity of the automobile), many families were looking to move away from the city and into quieter, less crowded, environments. In order to meet these demands, local developers purchased farm land once owned by Govan Mills from his son Otis, and construction of Spartanburg’s first suburb began. Two of the main thoroughfares, Mills Avenue and Otis Boulevard, were named in their honor.
Drive (or better still, walk) through the neighborhood, and you will immediately notice the many diverse architectural designs, representing the varying styles and tastes of the different decades in which the homes were built. You can see examples of Queen Anne, California Craftsman, Spanish Mission, American Foursquare, Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, Neo Classical, and others. (Extra points if you know what any of that means!)
Not only is Converse Heights known for its varied home stylings, the landscaping is mature and well maintained. In the spring, when the dogwoods, azaleas, and early flowers are in bloom, the streets are lined with an explosion of color. The same can be said for the fall, with its fiery reds and golds.
Converse Heights has been home to many local business leaders as well as James F. Byrnes (Secretary of State under Harry Truman), John Gary Evans (85th Governor of South Carolina), and Donald Russell (U.S. Senator and the 107th Governor of South Carolina). Internationally known businessman Roger Milliken also maintained a residence here.
Happy Hollow, one of Spartanburg’s oldest parks, can also be found within the borders of Converse Heights. So park the car (plenty of street parking), put on your walking shoes, and take a nice leisurely stroll through one of the area’s oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods!