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Historical marker tells of Rock Hill's roots
By Staff Reports · heraldonline.com FTP
Published 05/16/08 - 12:00 AM |

Jim Stratakos • jstratakos@heraldonline.com
Members of the Black family look at the historical marker of their ancestor, Alexander Templeton Black, unveiled Thursday at the corner of Hampton and Black streets in downtown Rock Hill.
A South Carolina historical marker in honor of former S.C. Gov Wade Hampton and one of Rock Hill's founders, Alexander Templeton Black, was dedicated Thursday in the Hampton Street parking lot between Main and Black streets in downtown Rock Hill. The plaque was dedicated by the city and Culture & Heritage Museums.

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


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