Spartanburg, South Carolina

Spartanburg is a city located in Spartanburg County in South Carolina, a state of the United States of America, and 98 miles (158 km) northwest of Columbia. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 39,673. It is the county seat of Spartanburg County{{GR|6}}. Spartanburg is second largest city of the three primary cities in the Upstate region.

Origin of Name

The name Spartanburg is believed to be derived from the Spartan Regiment, which was formed in this area in 1776. The regiment served with distinction throughout the American Revolution. This explanation appears both in the WPA History of Spartanburg County and in J.B.O. Landrum?s History of Spartanburg County. Mr. Landrum goes on to state that the people of this area "Were indeed a Spartan people, and were willing to sacrifice their lives, if necessary, to meet all the difficulties which surrounded them. They had already, in previous wars with the Indians, undergone trials and sacrifices which justly entitled them to this honored name. Like the ancient Spartans of Greece, they were inured to hardship and sacrifices, and cherished the heroic virtues of courage, fortitude, patriotism, and public spirit."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~