Black, often called the "father of Rock Hill," owned a 448-acre plantation that spanned what is now the downtown. With his business savvy, Black allowed the new railroad to use his land and he gradually transformed his fields of cotton into a growing community. Church Street was later renamed Black Street in his honor.

Hampton, a former Civil War general who was in the process of running for governor in 1876, found political support turning in his favor after a rally in Rock Hill. His campaign established the Upstate as a political force. Hampton Street was named in his honor.

-- From staff reports