40th Anniversary Celebration

Roper Mountain has a rich and diverse history that extends far beyond the past forty—or even four hundred—years. While parts of its story have been known for some time, new discoveries about this cultural and natural treasure continue to come to light.

Interestingly, Roper Mountain isn’t technically a mountain at all. Geologically, it’s classified as a monadnock—an isolated rock hill or high ridgeline that slopes upward over the surrounding land. Yet, to the early settlers of what would eventually become Greenville County, it was always considered a mountain.

But the story of this land predates even those early settlers, stretching back through countless generations. The earliest known inhabitants of this region were the prehistoric animals of the last Ice Age, including mammoths, mastodons, bison, and caribou. It’s likely that herds of these majestic creatures once roamed the land that is now Roper Mountain. However, by the end of the Ice Age, approximately 10,000–12,000 years ago, these large mammals began to vanish. Their disappearance is thought to be the result of a changing climate, human hunting practices, or a combination of both.

Sampling of Preliminary Artifacts Recovered from RMSC Site

The land that is now Roper Mountain was once played host to nomadic bands of Paleo-Indians who were drawn to the area because of the quartz deposits found along the top of the mountain. The recent discovery of numerous artifacts along the Eastern ridgeline suggests that Roper Mountain served as a lithic workshop and hunting camp, a place where much-needed tools such as scrapers, gravers and hunting points were made before moving on. It is possible that this site was used for this purpose as early as 7000 BCE, with periodic occupation lasting perhaps several thousand years.

By the time that European settlers arrived in South Carolina in the 1500s, the land that is now Greenville County was part of the hunting territory used by the Cherokee and Catawba Nations who placed great value on the area because of its abundance of wild game like bison, elk, deer, turkeys and bears. Cherokee settlements, were located in Eastern Tennessee, Western North Carolina and Northeast Georgia, with towns and villages in South Carolina existing west of Greenville in what are now Oconee and Pickens Counties. While no permanent settlements existed in Greenville County, evidence of seasonal hunting camps have been found, especially near and along the Reedy River in downtown Greenville.

As more European colonists pushed into South Carolina’s frontier and encroached on Cherokee lands, tensions escalated. Following an unsuccessful Cherokee uprising against American colonists in 1776, the Cherokee were forced to cede nearly all of their territory in South Carolina, including what would become Greenville County in 1786. This marked a significant turning point in the region’s history, as the land transitioned from Native American stewardship to colonial development.

In September 1787, the same year Greenville County was officially opened to settlement, John Goodwin received a land grant from the state of South Carolina that included the “summit of what is usually called ‘Fulshers (or Fulchers) Mountain.’” Decades later, in 1828, 81 acres of this land were sold to Robert Roper of Charleston, whose name would ultimately become permanently associated with the mountain—despite the fact that he never lived there.

Roper was a prominent plantation owner and state legislator. Like many Lowcountry planters of the time, he may have intended to establish a Backcountry plantation as a summer retreat to escape the intense coastal heat. However, whatever plans Roper may have had for the property, they were never realized. In 1859, after Roper’s death, his widow sold the 81-acre tract to John Watson of Greenville District. According to the Deed of Sale, the summit of the property was still referred to as Fulshers Mountain.

Sampling of 1882 Kyzer Map of Greenville County

Over the next century, the land on and around Roper Mountain changed hands numerous times. While the rocky slopes of the mountain were largely left untouched, much of the surrounding land was used for farming. The exact point at which the summit’s name changed from Fulshers Mountain to Roper Mountain remains unclear. However, the earliest recorded map to label it as Roper Mountain was the 1882 Kyzer Map of Greenville County, marking the transition to the name we know today.

A GRAND VISION OF ROPER MOUNTAIN

In 1968, the South Carolina Tricentennial Commission purchased 62 acres at Roper Mountain to establish one of three parks planned for the state’s 300th anniversary in 1970. The ambitious Tricentennial Celebration was a year-long event designed to honor South Carolina’s past while envisioning its future. Each park would represent a distinct century of the state’s historical, cultural, and economic journey. In Charleston, Charles Towne Landing was created to commemorate South Carolina’s first century, focusing on its colonial history. Columbia’s Midland Exposition Center was created to be a “State Museum of History” showcasing South Carolina’s role in the history of the nation. Meanwhile, Greenville’s Piedmont Exposition Park was designed to highlight the state’s present-day achievements while looking boldly toward the future.

By 1970, the Piedmont region had become the industrial heart of South Carolina, boasting the largest concentration of manufacturing in the state. The 1960s saw a boom in industrial development, as factories and plants transformed South Carolina from a primarily agricultural economy into one focused on large-scale manufacturing. Greenville, the birthplace of the state’s textile industry in the late 1800s, played a pivotal role in this economic evolution.

With this industrial transformation in mind, the Piedmont Exposition Park at Roper Mountain was developed to celebrate South Carolina’s emerging role in science, technology, and industry. It symbolized the region’s shift from its agrarian roots to its leadership in innovation and economic progress, aligning perfectly with the Tricentennial Commission’s vision of honoring the past while embracing the future. The site chosen for the Piedmont Exposition Park was described as “a commanding site comprising 62 acres on Roper Mountain,” strategically located between Greenville and Spartanburg at the crossroads of Interstates 85 and 385. Plans for the park included a bold and innovative building that would embody the park’s theme of progress, blending the present with a vision of the future.

In the summer of 1968, the world-renowned designer Dr. R. Buckminster Fuller arrived in Greenville to assess the site for the proposed center. The Tricentennial Commission staff had been exploring the idea of constructing a geodesic dome, a design pioneered by Fuller, to serve as the centerpiece of the park. The proposed dome, with a 300-foot diameter, was to be situated on the southern slope of Roper Mountain. The plan envisioned the hillside being developed into natural terraces, preserving existing trees and rock formations. Exhibits would be arranged along these terraces, with visitors entering at the top of the dome and gradually descending through the displays.

THE TETRON

However, when a local architectural firm, Craig and Gaulden, that was collaborating with Fuller reviewed the plans, they suggested a departure from the traditional geodesic dome that he had pioneered. They proposed an innovative alternative—a bold, rectangular structure that could redefine the park’s design. From this collaboration emerged the concept of the "Tetron," a cube balanced on one of its points. This strikingly modern design embodied the futuristic vision of the park while showcasing Fuller’s revolutionary approach to architecture.

As the ambitious Tetron design began to take shape in the fall of 1969, its complexity brought significant challenges. The striking new design increased project costs, requiring additional funds to be reallocated from other areas of the Tricentennial operation. The Tetron, envisioned as a futuristic exterior shell surrounding an interior structure of five levels of open-air terraces, was to house exhibits that told the story of South Carolina’s past, present and future.

However, in March 1970, structural problems with the Tetron framework caused construction to grind to a halt. The intricate design proved too complex to implement without a major overhaul. With the park’s grand opening scheduled for July, the focus shifted to completing the interior terraces. Portions of the exhibit areas were enclosed to allow for some displays to be ready in time for the Tricentennial celebrations, though the original vision for the Tetron remained unrealized.

AN IMMERSIVE JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTH CAROLINA

Despite setbacks, the completed terraces provided visitors with a rich, multi-level experience of South Carolina’s story. Upon entering the building, visitors were greeted with dramatic exhibits juxtaposing the old and the new. Handmade patchwork quilts were displayed alongside an Apollo space suit manufactured at Slater Mills in Marietta. Cobblestones from Charleston were paired with a section of the modern interstate running past the park. An old water wheel sat beside nuclear fuel rods, symbolizing the state’s transition into a modern era of power and technology. Guests were also treated to an introductory film in the theater, which set the stage for a historical and immersive journey.

Visitors ascended to the top of the terraces via express elevators, where they were greeted with panoramic views of the Piedmont’s rolling countryside. From there, they descended through the levels, each designed to explore a different aspect of South Carolina’s identity.

On the fifth floor, guests began their journey with The Story of the Land, an exploration of how South Carolina’s geography shaped its history, society, and politics. A striking panorama showcased the state’s seashores, sandhills, farms, forests, and mountains, giving visitors an overview of its diverse landscape. Exhibits illustrated how the state’s early settlers transformed the wilderness into thriving communities.

This floor also highlighted South Carolina’s advancements in power and energy. Displays demonstrated the state’s leadership in hydroelectric, steam turbine, and nuclear power generation. Anderson, South Carolina, was featured prominently as the first all-electric city in the South, while the nearby Keowee-Toxaway Nuclear Power Station symbolized the cutting-edge potential of the “world of tomorrow.”

The fourth floor of the Piedmont Exposition Park celebrated South Carolina’s people—their spirit, achievements, and contributions to the arts, sciences, and economy. Prominent figures, including the state’s founding fathers and those who shaped its growth, were featured prominently, showcasing South Carolina’s role in shaping the nation.

On the third floor, South Carolina’s industrial diversity came to life in an immersive, “controlled environment” exhibit. The sights and sounds of the state’s industries were captured through innovative displays. Visitors watched local factories in action via simulated closed-circuit television, while an overhead monorail carried products through the space, providing a dynamic, visual representation of the state’s manufacturing prowess.

The second floor offered a forward-looking perspective, exploring South Carolina’s role in addressing global challenges and preparing for a better future. Exhibits focused on urban planning, agricultural technology, oceanography, and nuclear energy, showcasing the state’s contributions to building the “space age of tomorrow.” Visitors were encouraged to imagine how South Carolina might continue to lead in education and technology into the 21st century.

The ground floor celebrated South Carolina’s textile heritage, with advanced looms weaving fabric in real time as visitors watched. Nearby, a restaurant and gift shop nestled in the serene mountaintop setting provided a relaxing atmosphere for guests.

A MEMORABLE OPENING AMIDST CHALLENGES

Despite setbacks caused by the Tetron, Special events at the center began with a Press Preview on July 3, the day before the official opening. Senator Strom Thurmond and his wife, Nancy, were honored quests. Although a fireworks display had been scheduled to climax the evening, it was said that, “the natural display of lightning, wind and rainstorm which occurred during the preview eclipsed any man-made entertainment,” and kept staff up around the clock repairing damage before the July 4th opening for the public the next day.

Opening day festivities included a flyover by four RF-101 jets from Shaw Air Force Base, a helicopter arrival by Lieutenant Governor John C. West, performances by the Caledonian Bagpipe Band, and the ascent of a massive hot air balloon named The American. Thousands of colorful balloons were released into the sky, symbolizing the park’s bold aspirations.

Special exhibits were brought in throughout the summer and fall of 1970 including the Apollo 12 command Lunar Module and the first moon rock sample from the same mission. These displays, among others, reflected South Carolina’s connection to cutting-edge technology and its contributions to space exploration.

THE DREAM DEFERRED

Despite the park’s initial success, the unfinished Tetron loomed as a symbol of unfulfilled potential. Structural issues and the resulting delays led to a financial settlement with the contractors responsible for the faulty materials and design. While funds were secured to complete the Tetron, Governor John C. West halted further construction in 1971, citing the need for additional study.

By the end of 1970, the park had closed, its exhibits placed in storage or returned to their owners. The Tricentennial Commission ceased operations on June 30, 1971, transferring over $1.25 million to the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. This included funds earmarked for the Tetron’s completion, though the project would never resume.

A NEW BEGINNING: ROPER MOUNTAIN SCIENCE CENTER

In 1974, the state park service sold the 62-acre site to Greenville County Schools for $5, with the stipulation that the land be used solely for educational purposes or returned to the state. While the Piedmont Exposition Park’s story ended in disappointment, this sale marked the beginning of a new chapter.

The land would be repurposed to create Roper Mountain Science Center, which embraced the original vision of promoting education and innovation. Today, Roper Mountain Science Center thrives as a hub of learning and exploration, continuing the legacy of inspiration and discovery first imagined for the site.

Through this transformation, the dream of the Piedmont Exposition Park found new life, demonstrating how even unrealized visions can lay the groundwork for future success.