Spartanburg County Genealogy
- Formed 1785
- Parent district Ninety-Six District; Pinckney District 1791–1799
- County seat Spartanburg
- Neighbors Cherokee, Greenville, Laurens, Union
In-depth topics
Spartanburg County was formed in 1785 (Ninety-Six District; Pinckney District 1791–1799). The county seat is Spartanburg. Neighboring counties include Cherokee, Greenville, Laurens, Union.
Use the research panels below for modern starting points—government contacts, census, vital records, cemeteries—and read the legacy narrative for local history notes and older link collections (some updated).
Spartanburg County was formed in 1785 as a part of the Ninety-Six District, then was part of the Pinckney District from 1791-1799. The county was named for the Spartan Regiment which was a local militia in the Revolutionary War. Cotton was a major agricultural product of the county as was cattle raising. Glenn Springs was a popular mineral spring resort. After the Civil War, textile manufacturing became a big industry in Spartanburg County. Famous residents include Roger Milliken, and General William Westmoreland.
Spartanburg County SCGenweb site
Spartanburg Historical Association
200 E. St.
John Street
Spartanburg, SC 29306
864-596-3501
scha@spartanburghistory.org
Cemeteries
USGS listing of cemeteries in Spartanburg County
Query Forums
Cities and towns in Spartanburg County:
- Boiling Springs
- Campobello
- Central Pacolet
- Chesnee
- Cowpens
- Duncan
- Inman
- Inman Mills
- Landrum
- Lyman
- Mayo
- Pacolet
- Reidville
- Roebuck
- Saxon
- Southern Shops
- Spartanburg
- Startex
- Valley Falls
- Wellford
- Woodruff
History notes
Spartanburg County's documentary trail follows South Carolina's district-to-county evolution. When searching before county formation, check parent districts and neighboring counties for deeds, estates, and tax lists.
Research starting points
Census
Federal census schedules (and some state/colonial substitutes) are foundational for Spartanburg County household reconstruction. Start with every decade the family should appear, then correlate with land and probate.
Vital records
South Carolina statewide vital registration is comparatively late. For many Spartanburg County families you will rely on a mix of county probate, church registers, Bible records, newspapers, and delayed birth certificates—not only a single “vital records office” file.
Cemeteries
Cemetery surveys for Spartanburg County appear in published books, Find a Grave, USGenWeb archives, and local historical society vertical files. Always note whether a reading is complete or partial.
Courthouse & contacts
Spartanburg County Courthouse
Spartanburg, South Carolina
https://www.spartanburgcounty.org/