FORT MILL THEN & NOW SERIES
Step back in time with our Fort Mill Then & Now Series, where we take a closer look at the places that have shaped our community. In partnership with Fort Mill Now and brought to you by David W. Martin Law Group, this month we’re highlighting a local favorite and exploring how it has changed through the years while remaining part of Fort Mill’s story.
Step inside a piece of Fort Mill history ! What’s now the Fort Mill History Museum has quite the story to tell…
Originally built in 1869 and known as the Hull House, this home has lived many lives—owned by Stewart Wilson, later Dr. Samuel Alexander Kell (a Civil War veteran), and eventually the Massey family.
Then, around 1907… the entire house was moved from 235 Main Street to Clebourne Street to make room for downtown growth .
Over the years, it passed through several families—including the Hull family—and even became a gift shop before reopening as the Fort Mill History Museum in 2015.
Even cooler? The home is deeply rooted in local history—pictured here is Fort Mill resident and museum volunteer Mary Kathryn Harris, whose grandmother was born in the house
And one more thing… “Mamie” Belk Massey is said to still stop by from time to time (don’t worry—she’s a friendly visitor)
Have you toured this hidden gem yet? It’s full of history, artifacts, and a cute gift shop!
Did you know?
Springs Farm didn’t start with peaches, strawberries… or even ice cream? It began as a dairy farm operating in the original Dairy Barn.
Peaches didn’t come until 1925—and the rest is local history. From dairy cows to peach orchards to some of the most iconic ice cream around, they’ve come a long way!
And a BIG thanks to Springs Farm for providing these beautiful historic photos from their archives!
On Memorial Day, Fort Mill remembers and honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, including one of our hometown heroes, Sergeant Thomas Lee Hall.
A member of Company G, the Fort Mill Light Infantry and the famous 118th Infantry Regiment, Hall courageously led his men during World War I near Montbrehain, France. His bravery and sacrifice continue to be remembered here at home, including through the naming of Tom Hall Street in 1919.
Did you know this corner of downtown Fort Mill has served our community in so many ways over the last 90 years?
For this edition of 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 & 𝐍𝐨𝐰, we’re looking at the corner of Academy and Confederate Streets—a place that’s been home to some of the town’s most important public buildings!
Here’s a look back:
1936: Fort Mill’s second Police Dept. complete with six jail cells. It served the town until 1975, when it was demolished to make way for the new municipal complex.
1972: The building on the left opened as Fort Mill’s Public Library.
1975: The building on the right became Fort Mill’s new Municipal Complex - upper floor was Town Hall and lower floor was the Police Dept., replacing the 1936 station across the street.
1999–2003: After the library relocated to Baxter Village, the two buildings were connected into ONE larger municipal building. The former library became Town Hall offices, while the lower level expanded space for the Police Dept.
2017: When Town Hall moved to Tom Hall Street, the Police Dept. took over the entire building.
Today: This historic corner is now beautifully restored as the home of David W. Martin Law Firm—a reminder that while buildings may change, they continue to be part of Fort Mill’s story.