Recreation expansion, paving Main Street downtown, and movement on new housing developments are among the most recent highlights of the City of Anderson.

John W. Linley, the namesake of the park, was a Charleston native who moved to Anderson in 1900 as a school principal, who soon became an influential builder in the city. Linley developed a large portion of north Anderson, including Moultrie Square, Jackson Square, Gadsen Square, Hampton Fields and Woodlands Heights. He also founded North Anderson School.

Linley built the city's first street railway, the North Anderson Street Railway. Originally horse drawn, it ran from Glenwood and North Avenue (the site of the current park) to downtown.

New business downtown, update on Cheney Mills housing, and meeting the challenges of growth top priorities for Pendleton moving into summer.

Mayor Frank Crenshaw said planning is key as the town grows west toward the Cheney development, future development of the old oil mill site and the planned TIF district.

Meanwhile the largest housing expansion in more than 100 years is under way in Pelzer, with more than 120 new homes now being built within the town limits. Anderson County has begun cleanup on the historic lower mill site in preparations for planning for future development.

Located on the upper parking lot at the museum is McGee Brothers harness shop and buildings, which operated in southern Anderson County in Starr for at least half a century. In 2005, the McGee family donated the structure and its contents to the museum, and a pair of master craftsmen from Arkansas spent months moving the shop and restoring it completely at the new location.

It’s part of Pendleton’s goal to expand efforts to create an expanded walking downtown area, adding to such projects as the West Queen Street sidewalks and streetscapes, and future plans for the old oil mill property.

Meanwhile work is under way to transform the old Rexall Drug store downtown for multiple uses, including a “speak easy” in the basement.

Anderson County Historian Rich Otter followed the tracks of history at the Anderson County Museum recently, for a presentation on the significance of the railroads in the area.

Otter, who is also a former Anderson mayor, offered insights and revisited closed railroad sites in and around the City of Anderson to trace the rise and fall of railroads.

Smithsonian travelling exhibit, Spark! Places of Innovation March 2 - April 12.

The Town of Iva kicked off some major projects in 2024, including the renovation of the old fire station downtown which is being renovated to serve as the new home for a branch of the Anderson County Library.

Other improvements downtown, successful events and new housing starts were also welcome improvements in the past year.

The Town of Pendleton saw a number of long-awaited projects move toward the finish line in 2024.

The Cheney Mill reclamation and renovation is well on the way to completing, offering a new residential and retail district and extending downtown. The cleanup of the Pendleton Oil Mill was completed, and plans in the works for what will develop on that property. The historic Queen Street Project is nearly complete with updated sidewalks, lighting and landscaping, and the events drew record crowds to the town.

Belton’s top stories of the year include the partnership with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office to provide full-time police protection in the city with a substation and full staff of officers, infrastructure improvements and the growth of new housing and businesses.

West Pelzer Mayor Jim Riddle had a busy first year in office, as the town experience growth in housing and businesses and the need for public services.

A new police chief, Zachary Owen, and new police force were among the highlights of the year Riddle discusses in this interview with the Anderson Observer.

The City of Anderson experienced widespread growth in 2024, with record numbers of new housing starts to the beginning of major upgrades to recreation opportunities.

Mayor Terence Roberts said it was a good year for Anderson, with new businesses and the growth of established businesses as well.

Successful events, new housing starts and movement on cleanup and future plans for the Chiquola Mill site highlighted 2024, according to Mayor Christopher Burton.

Burton said 2024 was a banner year for the town which continues to grow. He offered highlights of the town’s year in this interview with the Anderson Observer.

An upgrade to water and sewer system, planned restoration of historic structures and new recreation opportunities and events highlighted 2024 in the Town of Pelzer.

Mayor Will Ragland recapped the year in Pelzer in this interview with the Anderson Observer.

The county’s second-largest Christmas parade featured more floats than most, as crowds filled downtown Pendleton Sunday.

Belton annual holiday celebration brings out community for Christmas.

Perfect day, great parade. Excellent work Sam Gilmer.

Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium (GAMAC) will present the 33rd annual "Merry Christmas, Anderson" on Thursday, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rainey Fine Arts Center at Anderson University. Featuring performances by the Electric City Big Band, Anderson Symphony Orchestra, and the GAMAC Chorale.

Tickets are $23 for adults with children admitted free with donation of a new, unwrapped toy to benefit the Upstate Fatherhood Coalition.