Step Into York's Past

Welcome to York, South Carolina, a town where history is woven into everyday life. Known as the White Rose City, York’s story stretches back centuries, beginning with the Catawba Nation, who first called this land home. In the mid-1700s, Scotch-Irish settlers arrived and named the town after York, England. By 1785, York—then Yorkville—became the county seat, and in 1841 it was officially incorporated, growing into a center for commerce, education, and community life.

 

Today, Downtown York is one of the most intact historic districts in South Carolina, with more than 180 historic buildings lining its walkable streets. Landmarks such as the York County Courthouse and the McCelvey Center stand alongside preserved homes and storefronts, reflecting generations of craftsmanship, resilience, and pride. These historic places continue to serve the community, connecting past and present.

 

What makes York truly distinctive is how its history lives on through daily activity. Local businesses operate in historic spaces, neighbors gather for events along Main Street, and progress builds thoughtfully on what came before. Downtown York is a place to slow down, connect, and experience a community that is truly rooted in history and rising with progress.