Page 17 - Athens Newcomers Guide 2023
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WEST PELZER TOWN OF WILLIAMSTON
A young surveyor, John Franks, was Farmer West Williams discovered a
living in Pelzer in the early 1900s. Pelzer clear, mineral spring on his property in
manufacturing prohibited three things – 1842. The waters’ medicinal properties
gambling, alcohol, and dogs – so in 1913 became renowned and the town, then
Mr. Franks crossed the railroad tracks known as Mineral Springs, began to be
to incorporate a new town, Frankville, nicknamed “Saratoga of the South”, a Address ........................12 W. Main Street
becoming West Pelzer in 1918. referral to New York’s similar spring. Williamston, SC 29697
Today, West Pelzer is known for its The town became a major resort Phone ................................(864) 847-7473
eclectic community spirit – hosting with railroad service, and by 1852 was Council Meets .................1st Mondays –
festivals and events year-round that changed to Williamston. Mr. Williams set Town Hall – 6:00 p.m.
appeal to everyone, from street fairs land aside to preserve the spring and to Website .........................williamstonsc.us
to poetry contests, dog shows and build schools and churches. Social Media ................................................
community cookouts. Around the turn of the century FB: @townofwilliamston;
the cotton mills settled near the river Tw: mswilliamston;
GRAPHICS | STATS AREA and played major roles in shaping Ins: mainstreetwilliamston
Incorporated ....................................... 1918 the community.
Population ...........................................1,136 The Williamston of the 21st century is UNINCORPORATED
Address .............................30 Main Street a growing community with easy access COMMUNITIES
West Pelzer, SC 29669 to metropolitan areas and a moderate Anderson County includes a few
Phone ................................(864) 947-6297 cost of living. communities that do not operate under
Council Meets .... 2nd Tuesdays – West a town government. These include:
Pelzer Municipal Center – 6 p.m. GRAPHICS | STATS AREA • Piedmont – population 6,122
Website ...........................westpelzer.com Incorporated .......................................1852 • Powdersville – population 9,436
Facebook ................@townofwestpelzer Population .........................................4,047 • Townville – population 4,109
2023 Anderson County Membership Directory & Newcomers Guide 13