A Brief History of Mauldin

Mauldin has a rich history that dates lack to the late 1800’s. The city’s population fluctuated several times because of the great depression, World War I, and other economic changes. On June 18, 1784, the Benjamin Griffith family received a land grant of 100 acres and settled in Mauldin. Mr. Willis William Butler bought a piece of land on the corner of Reedy River Road and Laurens Road in 1868. The area was then known as Butler Corners and eventually Butler’s Crossroads.

Mr. Riley E. Cox purchased 152 acres of land in 1880 on both sides of Laurens Road. The Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, W.L. (Pope) Mauldin, was a good friend to the Cox family and often visited Butler’s Crossroads. The Greenville Laurens Railroad Company proposed that a new railroad be built from Greenville to Laurens that would by-pass Butler’s Crossroads completely. Mrs. Cox became aware of the intended route and asked Lt. Governor Mauldin to convince officials to have the railroad run directly through the town. Lt. Governor Mauldin was successful in his efforts and the Cox family donated the land for a train depot built in 1886. Mrs. Cox asked that the new train depot be named in honor of Lt. Governor Mauldin.

The town received its original charter on December 24, 1890. The town was re-incorporated on February 14, 1910 by the Secretary of State and its first Mayor, A.L. Holland, was elected to office. The town’s population dwindled during the 1930’s because of the great depression. The construction of the Donaldson Air Force Base helped to bring people to the Mauldin and Greenville areas. On May 28, 1957, the citizens of Mauldin voted (115-106) to keep the town charter instead of becoming a part of Greenville. Mauldin officially became a city in 1969 with a population of 3,797 and a property valuation of $23 million.

For a more in depth look into Mauldin’s history, please consult “Mauldin’s Legacy and Its People,” by Mae Walker and the Mauldin Legacy committee.

References:
Walker, Mae, et al. (1984). Mauldin’s legacy and its people. (17).