Kelly Stratton

Fort Mill

Fort Mill is a quaint town located just across the South Carolina border south of Charlotte.  It officially received its charter as a town in 1873.  This area was originally inhabited by the Catawba Indians, who is now the only surviving Native American tribe in South Carolina.  European settlers, who were mostly Scotch-Irish, came to the area in the 1750’s.  In 1763, the Europeans “gave” about 144,000 acres back to the Catawba Indians for their helpful efforts in the French and Indian War.  In the years after that, the Catawba Indians leased the land back to settlers in 30 to 1000 increments.  By 1826 the Catawba Indians had leased the last piece of land back to the settlers.  Finally, in 1840 the Catawbas signed the Treaty of Nation Ford which sold their 144,000 acres back to the state. 

            The Fort Mill area also has a rich Confederate history as well.  In fact, the last Confederate Cabinet, led by Jefferson Davis, passed through this area during their evacuation from Richmond in 1865.  During this pass through the area, they held their last meeting of the full Confederate Cabinet at the White Homestead near downtown Fort Mill. 

            In the mid 1800’s, the Charlotte, Columbia and Augusta Railroad traveled through the area, with a station right in Fort Mill.  In fact, trade routes through this area existed all the way back to 1650.  This older trade route connected Pennsylvania to Charles Towne (now Charleston) through five Catawba Indian villages.

            Today, Fort Mill has a vibrant and growing population.  Currently, the population within the corporate limits of Fort Mill is about 9400 people, however there are about 35,000 people residing within the entire Township.  Fort Mill’s population has seen increased growth recently along with the rest of the region.  Fort Mill’s public schools are renowned.  The students from this school system consistently score far above state and national averages on standardized tests. Just like Rock Hill and South Carolina overall, Fort Mill has a pro-business attitude.  There are many businesses in the area such as: HSBC, Muzak, Wells Fargo, Springs Industries, and even the Charlotte Knights (farm team for the Chicago White Sox).  Businesses are being offered tax incentives to move their businesses to South Carolina from other states.  They have done a great job of increasing their corporate tax base through these tax incentives.

            Fort Mill has many exciting neighborhoods to choose from.  The Village of Baxter has become one the most sought after areas in Fort Mill.  It is a self-contained village with many stores, small businesses, even a Starbucks.  Baxter homes range from town homes to estate homes, each with a distinctive southern flair. 

            Low taxes, great schools, incredible location, and a growing population make Fort Mill an attractive location for anyone seeking excitement mixed with a comfortable way a life.

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