Pelzer

Pelzer's establishment was a direct result of the rising textile industry. Five men wished to replicate the success they found in Charleston, and the area which would be known as Pelzer, was situated comfortably in a prime location along the Saluda River.  Francis J. Pelzer and the Pelzer Manufacturing Company bought this land with visions of creating a "mill town" and shortly after, mills, bridges, housing and a dam were created. People came, settled and brought life to the town of Pelzer. The town made history when one of the mills became the first in the country to operate under electricity from a distance. The collapse of the textile industry led to the fall of the historic mills but its spirit lives through the people who continue to be the life of the town.