Saxon, South Carolina

Saxon, South Carolina is a census-designated place located in Spartanburg County, near the city of Spartanburg. The area is situated near the Pacolet River and is close to the Cotton Belt Railway. Residents of Saxon have access to nearby attractions such as Lake Bowen, Lake Blalock, and the Daniel Morgan Monument. The community is also near the Spartanburg Community College and University of South Carolina Upstate.

Geography

The geography of Saxon is characterized by its location in the Piedmont region of South Carolina, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is drained by the Pacolet River, which flows into the Broad River and eventually into the Congaree River. Saxon is situated near the I-85 and I-26 highways, providing easy access to nearby cities such as Greenville, Columbia, and Charlotte. The community is also close to the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport and the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Nearby landmarks include the Cowpens National Battlefield, Kings Mountain National Military Park, and the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.

History

The history of Saxon dates back to the American Revolution, when the area was inhabited by Cherokee Native American tribes. The community was later settled by European-Americans, who established farms and trading posts along the Pacolet River. During the American Civil War, the area was a key location for the Confederate States of America, with nearby battles including the Battle of Cowpens and the Battle of Kings Mountain. Saxon was also home to several notable figures, including John C. Calhoun, James L. Orr, and Strom Thurmond. The community is near the Reconstruction Era historic site of Brattonsville, and the National Register of Historic Places-listed Walnut Grove Plantation.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the demographics of Saxon show a population of approximately 3,400 people, with a mix of African American, European American, and Hispanic and Latino American residents. The community has a median household income of around $40,000, with nearby employers including BASF, BMW, and Michelin. Saxon is served by the Spartanburg County School District, which includes schools such as Spartanburg High School, Dorman High School, and Broome High School. The area is also home to several HBCU institutions, including Wofford College and Spartanburg Methodist College.

Economy

The economy of Saxon is driven by a mix of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Major employers in the area include Milliken & Company, Kohl's, and Target Corporation. The community is also home to several small businesses and startups, with resources available through the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce and the University of South Carolina Upstate's George Dean Johnson Jr. College of Business and Economics. Nearby attractions such as Lake Bowen and Lake Blalock also support a thriving tourism industry, with visitors drawn to the area's outdoor recreational opportunities and historic landmarks like the Daniel Morgan Monument and the Cowpens National Battlefield.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of Saxon includes several major highways, including I-85 and I-26, which provide easy access to nearby cities and attractions. The community is also served by the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport and the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, with flights available to destinations such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Saxon is also home to several parks and recreational facilities, including the Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation department's Lake Bowen Park and the Spartanburg Area Conservancy's Cottonwood Trail. The area is served by the Spartanburg County Public Libraries system, which includes branches such as the Spartanburg Main Library and the Westside Library. Category:Unincorporated communities in South Carolina