Pelzer, South Carolina, located along the Saluda River in Anderson County, is a town with a fascinating history deeply rooted in the textile industry. Founded in the late 19th century, Pelzer grew around the Pelzer Manufacturing Company’s impressive series of mills—starting with the Lower Mill in 1882 and expanding to include three more mills by 1896. Known for its innovative use of electricity, Pelzer Manufacturing was the first in the country to employ incandescent lighting, thanks to power generated by two dams on the Saluda River and the pioneering work of General Electric. Named after Francis J. Pelzer, who surveyed the area, the town thrived as a mill hub until the mid-20th century. With a population of 1,344, it celebrates its heritage through the efforts of the Community of Pelzer Historical Society, preserving the town’s rich past and historical sites, including the Pelzer Presbyterian Church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.