Landrum’s mild climate and natural beauty attracts visitors of varying recreational interests. Golfing is available at many fine courses in the area, while boaters and water enthusiasts can enjoy Lake Bowen or Lake Lanier, both just minutes from downtown Landrum. Cycling, hiking, and horseback riding are also popular activities in the area. With the home of the Annual Blockhouse Steeplechase also just five minutes from downtown Landrum, equestrian activities and horse farms are evident throughout this community and region. Equestrian trails and hiking trails are provided at F.E.N.C.E. (Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center). In addition, a variety of nature oriented programs abound here which include bird watching, nature photography, and star gazing. The Palmetto Trail (a mountains to the sea trail that traverses South Carolina) and many local favorites like Bradley Falls and Pearson Falls provide additional hiking activities for the outdoor enthusiast.

Landrum is full of exciting attractions, beautiful scenery, historically significant sites, and friendly people. Whether you’re coming here on vacation or business, just passing through, or are a lifelong resident of this great City, we welcome your interest in this wonderful area we call home.

 

The Birth of a Community

 

The first homesteaders began settling the Landrum area around 1760. They came from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia seeking the fertile free land. These were hardy settlers that had to fight not only the elements of an isolated land but the Indians as well. To defend themselves against the Indians the settlers built a series of forts located at critical points. One, Earl’s Fort was located approximately 2 miles east of the current City of Landrum. For the next 80 years the area continued to grow as lumber mills and corn mills were established. The roads serving the area were poor and travel was difficult even in the best weather. When the railroad reached Spartanburg in the late 1840’s a market was established for the agricultural products of the area.

It wasn’t until 1880 after the railroad was extended from Spartanburg that the Town of Landrum was officially founded. The City is named after Mr. John Landrum who gave the railroad land in 1877 for the construction of a station. The first name for the Town was Landrum’s Station, but the name was shortened to Landrum around 1900. As the railroad pushed further north into North Carolina, the City continued to grow and expand. In 1883 Landrum was incorporated as a Town and in 1973 it was made a City. The early citizens of the area were farmers and raised corn and harvested timber products. This changed to cotton in the early 1900s and around 1930 peaches became the regions main cash crop. The first industry in the area was centered on textiles, with several textile companies still existing today. Industry has diversified over the past forty years to now include companies producing products from electronics parts to furniture hardware.

 

Historic Downtown

 

While many small cities have lost their traditional downtowns as a result of commercial strip and suburban development, the City of Landrum has held on to and strengthened its traditional downtown center through careful and deliberate city planning. For many years Landrum’s local government in partnership with the business community and supported by the citizenry, have created and continue to maintain a pedestrian orientated traditional downtown environment. Strolling through downtown Landrum, viewing the historic brick commercial shops, our downtown parks and historic train depot, one can easily understand why this community is so unique.

 

Quality of Life

 

Citizens of Landrum have always been proud of our quality of life. Proud that our community is large enough to contain all the modern conveniences and comforts but not too large where we could risk losing our small town charm and character. Stroll through Landrum’s attractive neighborhoods and you will see a variety of housing types in all price ranges. Landrum also contains a large number of home grown businesses and restaurants with roots deep in the community. Access to some of our larger neighbors is easy and convenient through nearby State and Interstate Highways. Spartanburg or Greenville, South Carolina to the south, or Asheville, North Carolina to the north are all just minutes away. In Landrum, the possibilities are endless.