Page 14 - Clemson NCG 2026

the Spring Car Show. The Central Railroad establishment of Central Wesleyan College, a popular new spot for Mexican favorites. seasonal hub for local vendors and neighbors.
Festival celebrates the town’s rail heritage now Southern Wesleyan University, brought These openings reflect Six Mile’s The Issaqueena Festival is Six Mile’s signature
with live music, food vendors and arts and new life, industry and educational opportunity growth while preserving its welcoming, annual event, held on the third Saturday in
crafts. Visitors can also explore local history at to the community. small-town character. May. This beloved celebration brings the
the Central Heritage Society Museum and the community together with music, vendors and
Central Depot. Community gatherings are central to life in Six activities that highlight Six Mile’s heritage and
Six Mile
Mile. Residents come together throughout the vibrant spirit.
Like many towns formed during the railroad The Town of Six Mile takes its name from its year to celebrate major holidays, including the
expansion era, Central owes its origins to location six miles from the Cherokee village family-friendly Community Trick or Treat each
the arrival of the Atlanta and Richmond Air- of Keowee during the colonial era. Today’s fall. From late spring through September, the
Line Railroad Company in 1873. The railway Main Street follows the approximate route of downtown Farmers Market Depot serves as a
extended north from Atlanta and south from the historic Cherokee Trading Path. Like many
Charlotte, meeting at a midpoint stop that communities in the region, Six Mile’s land
would become the Town of Central. The was acquired through a 1777 treaty following Visit Six Mile’s downtown Farmers Market
town officially incorporated on March 17, 1875, the forced removal of Cherokee and other Depot from late spring through September.
extending one-half mile in each direction from Indigenous peoples, an important and lasting The Issaqueena Festival is the community’s
the Air-Line Depot. part of the town’s history. signature event of the year – third Saturday
in May.
Railroad engineers, conductors and Six Mile has experienced notable growth
telegraph operators settled in Central with in recent years, guided by strong local
their families, and the town became home to leadership and a dedicated mayor who is
the railroad’s repair shops. In the late 1890s, deeply invested in the community’s future.
those shops were relocated to Greenville, and This momentum blends the town’s historic
trains no longer stopped to change engines. roots with fresh energy along Main Street,
As a result, the shops and offices closed and where new businesses continue to enhance
many residents moved away. the local landscape.

At the turn of the 20th century, Central Recent additions include locally owned
experienced renewed growth and prosperity. restaurants such as Casa Lago, bringing
The opening of a textile mill and the Italian cuisine to downtown, and Taco Riendo,

10 Communities