Revolutionary War stories and local folklore live on in Ninety Six
Not much has changed in Ninety Six since its frontier days; it’s always been a place for country living. The historic community is nestled in the hills of South Carolina’s Piedmont region, surrounded by oak-hickory and pine forests. It’s home to a little over 2,000 residents in eastern Greenwood County. Resident Natalie Parramore, a Realtor with eXp Realty, says she moved here for the schools, close-knit community and proximity to Lake Greenwood, a nearby water sports hub. She appreciates the rich history around her, noting the town’s revolutionary battleground and stories heard about where Ninety Six got its name. While folklore tells a story of an Indian woman named Cateechee riding 96 miles on horseback to warn her British boyfriend of an impending attack, historic evidence suggests a more likely tale. “You’re going to laugh,” Parramore says. “Back in the 18th century, traders mistakenly believed the location was 96 miles from a Cherokee village, but the actual distance was closer to 78 or something.”
Vintage homes and spacious lots define Ninety Six’s housing
The community has a variety of vintage homes, from turn-of-the-20th-century farmhouses and Craftsman cottages to midcentury split-level and ranch-style homes. Contemporary options are rarer, including Minimal Traditional and New Traditional houses, as well as custom builds. Lots here are spacious, with many close to a half an acre. Overall, prices range from under $100,000 to $270,000. The median lot size is close to a half-acre, so many homes here have spacious yards and mature greenery. Some special flood zones trace creeks in the area; properties touching them may require flood insurance for federally backed mortgages. Hurricane season ranges from June to November on the Atlantic Coast. Ninety Six may be roughly 200 miles inland, but strong winds and flooding are still environmental concerns.
Public schools offer dual enrollment and school choice
Greenwood School District 52 has a B-plus on Niche and offers school choice. Ninety Six Primary (B) and Ninety Six Elementary (B-plus) cover prekindergarten through fifth grade. From there, students can attend Edgewood Middle (B-plus) before graduating from Ninety Six High (B), which offers dual enrollment with Piedmont Technical College and Lander University.
Historic train depot and lake access add to area’s charm
Beyond the historic site, the community has a small recreation scene. There are ballfields on the east side. They’re not far from Edgewood Community Center, which hosts various programs, including an active men’s basketball team: the Edgewood 96ers. Ninety Six Town Park has a playground, picnic areas and a paved walking loop, but the most popular pedestrian route in town is the Ninety Six Town Trail, an almost 2-mile paved path that follows the old bones of a Norfolk Southern railroad to the Historic Ninety Six Train Depot, originally built in 1915. Local golfers can tee off at The Fort Club, featuring a public championship course. For more rustic recreation, Lake Greenwood State Park is about 10 miles away. Here, anglers can fish from the pier, hikers can explore shoreline trails and boaters can use the ramp to access Lake Greenwood, which stretches over 11,000 acres.
Classic burgers and Mexican fare anchor the dining scene
Main Street, also known as Ninety Six Highway, has a few places to shop and eat along it. Mig’s of 96 serves Italian fare next to Subway and China 1, a takeout favorite. Las Cascadas is open until 10 p.m. most nights, serving a traditional Mexican menu with chips and salsa to start. On the south side of town, Johnny’s Cheeseburger House has been slinging hamburgers since 1971, standing as Ninety Six’s oldest operating restaurant. As for running errands, Piggly Wiggly, Dollar General and Family Dollar have the basics covered.
Ninety Six celebrates 250 years of Revolutionary heritage
Rich in nature and history, the Ninety Six National Historic Site is a multifaceted recreational area on the south side of town. It’s home to the Star Fort, originally constructed in 1780 by Loyalist soldiers and enslaved people. Named for its shape, the fort’s eight-point design was as unpopular as it was unique, sacrificing space for an encompassing field of musket and cannon fire. Visitors can explore these hallowed grounds year-round, and locals enjoy the park’s regular and special events. The 250th anniversary of the first battle of Ninety Six – also the first land battle of the American Revolution – comes up in November 2025, bringing reenactments, readings, demonstrations, book signings and more.
Major airports and hospitals are reachable by highway
Car-dependent Ninety Six is about 10 miles from Greenwood, the seat of Greenwood County; Ninety Six Highway is a direct route. The city has the nearest 24-hour emergency room at Self Regional Medical Center. Greenville and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport are just over 60 miles north. Columbia and Columbia Metropolitan Airport are roughly 70 miles southeast.
![Micaela Willoughby]()
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
