Fort Mill

History

The town of Fort Mill was established in 1873, taking its name from a colonial-era fort built by the British and a grist mill on nearby Steele Creek. The Catawba Indians made their home in present-day Fort Mill for many years. Scotch-Irish settlers began arriving in the 1750s and 1760s and a small settlement soon developed. Fort Mill grew rapidly in the late 19th century as textile mills were established. After many textile mill shut-downs the town continued to grow rapidly and became a major suburb of Charlotte.

Climate

The Fort Mill area has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by humid summers and cool dry winters. Precipitation does not vary greatly between seasons. July is the hottest month, with an average high temperature of and an average low temperature of . The coldest month of the year is January, when the average high temperature is and the average low temperature is . In the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms are typical and are sometimes severe containing strong winds and hail. During the winter months, snowfall is fairly light and rare, only occurring on average one to three times. Please note climate information is based out of the Rock Hill/York County Airport.

Visitor information

• Rock Hill/Fort Mill Visitors Center

  phone: +1 803-329-5200
  address: 375 South Anderson Rd, Rock Hill

By car

Fort Mill is located on I-77, just across the state border from Charlotte, North Carolina at exit numbers 83-90. U.S. Highway 21 is also a major road that runs through the town and is accessible from Pineville to the north and Rock Hill to the south.

By bus

The 82x commuter bus operated by Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) between Charlotte and Rock Hill stops at the northwestern edge of Fort Mill. That being said, it's unlikely to be a reasonable way to get to Fort Mill. Not only is its stop far from the main attractions, it's geared towards commuters, so it only goes one way in the morning and the other way in the late afternoon. You're better off driving.

Fort Mill is a large spread-out town and is best accessible by car. Cycling is allowed, but bike routes are limited to smaller residential streets.

• Peach orchards

• Fort Mill Downtown Historic District

  address: Main Street
  Fort Mill's historic downtown features a few restaurants and shops centered around historic buildings on a Main Street.

• Fort Mill History Museum

  phone: +1 803 802-3646
  address: 107 Clebourne Street

• Walter Elisa Park

  phone: +1 (803) 547-2273
  address: 345 N White Street
  Local park minutes of Fort Mill's historic downtown offering trails and large wide-open spaces.

• South Carolina Strawberry Festival

  address: 345 N White Street

• Fort Mill Community Playhouse

  phone: +1 803 548-8102
  address: 220 Main Street

• Anne Springs Close Greenway

  phone: +1 803-547-4575
  address: Adventure Rd
  Spacious nature preserve with outdoor activities including fishing, horseback riding & hiking.

• The Peach Stand

  phone: +1 803 547-7563
  address: 1325 SC 161
  Locks spot offering freshly picked peaches, strawberries and homemade ice cream.

• Carowinds Amusement Park

  phone: +1 (704) 588-2600
  address: 14523 Carowinds Blvd
  400-acre amusement park located along I-77 between Charlotte and Ft. Mill.

Popular shopping areas in the town of Fort Mill are listed below.

• Baxter Village

  phone: +1 803-802-8696
  address: 950 Market St
  classic downtown street with specialty shops and restaurants.

• Kingsley Village

  address: Kingsley Park Dr
  Unique shopping area with small stores and restaurants

Popular restaurants in the town are listed below. There are also numerous local and national chain restaurants along the I-77 corridor in Fort Mill.

• Local Dish

  phone: +1 803 547-2201
  address: 217 Main Street
  Compact, cheery outpost serving elevated Southern-inspired entrees, salads and sandwiches.

• Hobo's

  phone: +1 803 548-4626
  address: 213 Main Street
  Local chain offering build-your-own burgers, milkshakes and draft beer served in an industrial-chic diner

• Fish Market

  phone: +1 803-547-4024
  address: 990 Market St
  Upscale seafood spot also serving steak and pasta.

• Fratelli Pizzeria

  phone: +1 (803) 802-4449
  address: 975 Market St
  Casual restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes, gourmet pizza & wine in a bistro-like setting.

• Cupcrazed Cakery

  phone: +1 (803) 396-7372
  address: 936 Market St Suite #103
  Cool bakery with a playful vibe featuring a daily cupcake selection and classic flavors.

• Captain Steve's

  phone: +1 (803) 547-2340
  address: 1975 U.S. HWY 21
  Casual seafood restaurant with jumbo portions also serving steak & chicken.

• Blacow Burger

  phone: +1 (803) 547-1122
  address: 1646 SC-HWY 160 Suite #106
  Hip burger joint with quick bites and takeout offered.

• Roasted Oven & Grill

  phone: +1 (803) 547-5522
  address: 855 Gold Hill Road Suite #111
  Rotisserie chicken & homestyke fare served in a laid-back spot with an outdoor patio.

• Akahana Asian Bistro

  phone: +1 (803) 548-0036
  address: 940 Market St Suite #122
  Local hip Asian bistro offering sushi & healthy options.

• Toppers Pizza

  phone: +1 (803) 547-4100
  address: 400 North Doby's Bridge Road Suite #101
  Relaxed pizza parlor with unique toppings and wings.

• Z Bakery and Café

  phone: +1 (803) 548-5257
  address: 124 Confederate Street
  Simple, southern cafe featuring eloquent dishes and pastries.

• Six Pence

  phone: +1 803-802-5885
  address: 993 Market St
  British menu with Southern options served in a down-to-earth pub with a rooftop deck.

• Carolina Ale House

  phone: +1 (803) 339-1195
  address: 100 Kingsley Park Dr.
  Casual restaurant & sports-bar chain featuring American pub fare, a long beer list & a kids' menu.

• Mulligan's Bar

  phone: +1 (803)-548-0044
  address: 415 U.S. 21
  Local bar featuring bar games and happy hour specials.

• Towne Tavern at Fort Mill

  phone: +1 (803) 802-2340
  address: 2000 SC-Highway 160 West
  Burgers, wings & beer served in a lively spot broadcasting sports regularly.

• Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Mill

  phone: +1 803 578-2600
  address: 1520 Carolina Place Drive

• Courtyard Marriott

  phone: +1 803-548-0156
  address: 1385 Broadcloth Street

• Holiday Inn Express

  phone: +1 803 802-0300
  address: 1655 Carolina Pl

• Fort Mill Police Department

  phone: +1 (803) 547-2022
  address: 111 Academy Drive

• Fort Mill Fire Department

  phone: +1 (803) 547-5511
  address: 121 Town Hall St

• Charlotte—hop just across the border to North Carolina's largest city with numerous restaurants, bars and shopping malls with a pristine central district known as Uptown.
• Rock Hill—Just south of Fort Mill, this South Carolina town offers numerous outdoor activities and quite a few local restaurants in its historic downtown.
• Pineville—Neighboring Fort Mill, this Charlotte suburb has a large shopping mall and charming downtown.