Fountain Inn Museum

THE FOUNTAIN INN MUSEUM

For more info, visit FountainInnMuseum.org

The goal of the Fountain Inn Museum is to provide all visitors with a clear view of our town’s history, from its humble beginnings to the increasing growth that led to the prospects now within sight. A secure footing in our history will enable tomorrow’s leaders to take on the unique challenges of the 21st century.

The museum opened its doors in 2010 as part of Fountain Inn’s Commerce Park project. From the beginning, the aim was to accurately chronicle the town’s inception as a way station on the Charleston/North Carolina stagecoach route. Exhibits mark our progress from a rural farming population to the high tech and manufacturing industries that dot the landscape today.

An appreciation of Fountain Inn’s history includes exhibits reflecting the time when Native Americans inhabited the Upstate. As European settlers began to arrive, roads and buildings soon followed, establishing communities that grew into small towns. The museum’s exhibits and displays take visitors on a chronological tour of our city’s growth, clearly illustrating the special heritage Fountain Inn holds. Along with its permanent exhibits, the museum puts together seasonal displays throughout its main area and in the SC Humanities Gallery that was added in 2019.

The museum offers innovative programs and tours for student groups from elementary school through high school. Special events and varying presentations provide interest even for frequent patrons such as our Hooked on History series. This features programs and guest speakers that give a greater insight into South Carolina’s history. The museum hosts guests with a range of expertise from various parts of the state to provide the community with a greater understanding of historical events and topics while highlighting some of Fountain Inn’s most notable residents such as Robert Quillen, the internationally recognized author and publisher of the Fountain Inn Tribune, and “Peg Leg” Bates, an incredible one-legged dancer who performed for millions worldwide.

Make the Fountain Inn Museum part of your itinerary as you experience the exceptional atmosphere of our flourishing town. The welcome mat is out, so stop by and learn more about Fountain Inn’s origin, local history, and culture!