40th Anniversary Celebration

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The Story of Roper Mountain - Part 7


The Growth of the Science Center Accelerates

After the successful opening of Roper Mountain Science Center in May 1985 with the dedication of the Living History Farm, momentum continued to build. Over the next three years, The Mountain evolved into the dynamic educational destination it was always intended to be.

With generous funding from the Symmes Foundation and the Charles Daniel Foundation, two major additions took shape: the Symmes Hall of Science and the Daniel Observatory. The Observatory officially opened in September 1987, marking the culmination of a decade of planning. At the dedication, Captain Richard Anawalt, Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Observatory, described the event as a “giant step for the scientific future of Greenville, South Carolina, and the nation.” Since then, thousands of visitors have gazed through the 26-inch refractor telescope—one of the largest in the Southeast—sparking wonder and inspiring future astronomers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A year later, in September 1988, the 30,000-square-foot Hall of Science opened, offering much-needed classroom space and launching the long-envisioned health education program. Members of the Auxiliary of the Greenville County Medical Society, led by visionaries like Betsy Terry and Sarah Manly, had dreamed since the 1970s of teaching children about the importance of personal health. With support from the Hipp Foundation and a $500,000 gift from the Symmes Foundation, that dream became a reality. The Hall of Health’s six interactive classrooms—including TAM, the Transparent Anatomical Manakin, and a giant toothbrush-ready set of teeth—welcomed students from across the region for nearly 25 years.


These physical additions laid the foundation—but the real magic was yet to come. In the next post, we’ll explore how educational programming at Roper Mountain expanded during this transformative period, bringing science to life for a generation of learners.

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The Story of Roper Mountain - Part 6


The Dream Takes Shape

By 1984, Roper Mountain Science Center was gaining momentum. Director Darrell Harrison had quickly proven himself a visionary leader, and with community leader Minor Shaw heading the newly formed RMSC Association Board—made up of Greenville’s most respected business and philanthropic figures—the long-standing dream of the Center was ready to become reality.

Harrison understood it would take time to fund the proposed observatory and classroom building, so he pivoted toward a more immediate goal: the creation of a Pioneer Farm. This would not only draw the public to Roper Mountain but also build support and interest in the Center’s larger vision.

The project gained significant backing. The Junior League of Greenville donated $30,000, and the Jolley Foundation added another $40,000. Sam Zimmerman, Chairman of the Greenville County Historical Society, helped secure five historic log structures, which were relocated to the mountain. This was the beginning of what would become the Living History Farm.


 

The Past Serves as Prologue

Originally acquired by Greenville County Schools in 1974 as an environmental science center, Roper Mountain’s official 1985 grand opening instead centered around a living history experience. In preparation, Harrison and Zimmerman expanded the farm with cabins, corn cribs, a four-crib barn, and a smokehouse converted into a blacksmith shop. The Rector Schoolhouse was also moved from the top of the mountain to the farm, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century education. Authentic split rail fencing was added for historical accuracy.

By May 1985, with the site complete and interpreters in period costume ready to demonstrate 1800s life, the Living Pioneer Farm opened to the public. During the May 26 ribbon-cutting, Harrison described the farm as “more than a historical record,” but a lens through which to explore our ancestors’ understanding of science—chemistry, physics, animal husbandry, and more. The opening drew a large crowd, complete with bluegrass music, trade demos, and Nature Trail tours. Senator Strom Thurmond, unable to attend, sent a telegram predicting Roper Mountain would become “one of the most valuable learning tools of its type in the nation.”

Forty years later, his words have proven prophetic. Roper Mountain Science Center continues to blend science and history in powerful ways, pursuing its mission “to be a pinnacle of innovative learning, an engine for community engagement, and a national leader in science education.


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The Journey Begins:
The Story of Roper Mountain - Part 6


Building a Dream: Laying the Foundation for Roper Mountain Science Center

In 1977, a historic opportunity set the stage for Roper Mountain’s future. Dr. Ray Moses of Furman University learned that the U.S. Navy was offering the historic Alvan Clark Telescope originally built for Princeton University in 1883. After years of disuse, the telescope was available to any agency that could restore it. Dr. Moses shared the news with his friend, veteran Greenville County physics teacher and science consultant Sarah Manly, who immediately saw its potential for the new science center forming in Greenville. With the support of Superintendent Dr. J. Floyd Hall, and the advocacy of Senators Strom Thurmond and Fritz Hollings, the telescope was secured for $1—plus $10,000 in shipping costs. Arriving in 1978, it symbolized the beginning of the center’s transformation.


 

 

 

 

Recognizing the need for full-time leadership, the district hired Dr. Kenneth Hobbs in 1981 as the center’s first director. Hobbs initiated vital planning efforts, including the restoration of the telescope and the creation of an observatory to house it. To guide the work, Dr. Hall formed the Roper Mountain Advisory Council, a group of parents, educators, and community leaders whose energy and influence spurred early development. Through their support, initiatives like the Scientific Lecture Series launched, featuring speakers such as Apollo 13 Commander James Lovell.

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The Story of Roper Mountain - Part 4


A Bold Vision for the Piedmont Exposition Park      

In 1974, the School District of Greenville County acquired the 62-acre site of the former Piedmont Exposition Center on Roper Mountain with the stipulation that it be used only for educational purposes. Inspired by a visit to the Fernbank Science Center in Georgia, a committee of educators, community leaders, and architects that had been assembled by Superintendent Floyd J. Hall, began envisioning what Roper Mountain could become.

By 1976, a master plan was developed for what was called the Roper Mountain Environmental Science Center designed by local architect William "Bill" Davis. The plan outlined the development of several key facilities: a horticulture building, planetarium, and a complete renovation and enclosure of the former Tricentennial Building for use as a classroom and exhibit space. Since a director had yet to be chosen, the facility fell under the direction of the District Science Consultant, Willie Whittaker, Jr. 

Whittaker played a pivotal role in advancing the project, securing a $600,000 federal grant for the horticulture building's construction and an additional $50,000 grant to develop nature trails and landscaping. Between 1975 and 1977, these trails began taking shape, laying the groundwork for immersive outdoor learning experiences.

The Dream Takes Root

As plans continued to develop, Dr. Hall turned to Virginia Uldrick, the visionary behind Greenville’s Fine Arts Center, to serve also as the acting director of the budding science center. Using her well-placed connections and notoriety in the community, Uldrick and Dr. Hall combined their efforts to solicit funding for the burgeoning center. Their determination paid off when they met with Robert "Bob" Wilson, a successful local businessman and education advocate. Wilson, owner of the Barbeque King restaurant and inventor of the world’s first rotisserie oven, committed $250,000 to fund the construction of an amphitheater and a cutting-edge sound system, a gift that catalyzed the project’s momentum.

On April 4, 1979, the Wilson Amphitheater became the first completed facility on Roper Mountain, dedicated in a ceremony led by Congressman Carroll Campbell. With seating for up to 1,700 guests, the amphitheater hosted events ranging from concerts to science lectures, signaling the realization of Roper Mountain’s potential.

The opening of the Wilson Amphitheater marked a significant milestone in Roper Mountain’s transformation. It symbolized the community’s belief in the project and paved the way for future developments. While challenges remained, the dream of a world-class science center was no longer just an idea—it was becoming a reality.

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Journey Begins:
The Story of Roper Mountain - Part 3


ImageWith the Tricentennial Celebration over and the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Commission lacking the budget to successfully reopen the park, Governor John West began looking outside traditional channels for a solution. One of the people he reached out to in the Greenville community during the early summer of 1971 was Dr. Floyd J. Hall, Superintendent of Greenville County School District. Governor West explained that the PRT did not have the funds to operate the park and that “really, there was nothing on the mountain to attract tourists.” Restrictions in the deed prohibited the type of development that could have drawn visitors, which was disappointing given the original high hopes that the site would become one of the Upstate’s “must-see” destinations. Instead, the land had become an economic burden for the state.

Seeking an alternative use for the property, Governor West asked Dr. Hall to develop a proposal for utilizing Piedmont Exposition Park “for the educational development of children,” thereby aligning with the terms of the federal grant. He assured Dr. Hall that he was confident the superintendent would produce a sound and innovative proposal.

Dr. Hall moved quickly, appointing a committee to study potential uses for the property. Simultaneously, the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce formed its own committee to explore options for the site. Additionally, the school district sent approximately 100 teachers and several local officials to visit Fernbank Science Center in DeKalb County, Georgia. Inspired by what they saw, they returned to Greenville with a vision of what Roper Mountain could become.

W.B. “Jim” Bennett, chairman of the Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District, encouraged educators to keep dreaming. “All of you are voters and taxpayers in South Carolina,” he urged. “Talk to your legislators about Roper Mountain if you would like to see such an asset in South Carolina.” Carey Hayes, editor of the Greenville Piedmont, also joined the visit to Fernbank and later wrote a report stating that the Soil and Water Conservation District was actively supporting the idea of establishing an environmental science center on Roper Mountain.

Over the following year, a Planning Committee appointed by Dr. Hall, composed of school district staff and community members—including representatives from the Greenville County Recreation Commission, the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce, and the Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District—conducted further feasibility studies.

Image On November 13, 1973, the trustees of the Greenville County Schools board received a formal briefing from Brice Latham, an environmental science consultant, outlining potential plans for an environmental science center on Roper Mountain. His presentation included recommendations for programming, staffing, and cost estimates. The proposal was well received, and the board voted to authorize Dr. Hall to formally request that the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism deed the 62-acre site to the school district for use as a science center.

As plans advanced, Dr. Hall and his committee sought the expertise of F. Earle Gaulden, a senior member of the architectural firm Craig, Gaulden, and Davis, to create drawings illustrating their vision for the site. Gaulden assigned William “Bill” Davis, who donated his services, to develop a master plan for Roper Mountain. The firm later designed additional structures, including the Bob Wilson Amphitheater (1977), the horticulture center that became Harrison Hall of Science (1980), and Symmes Hall of Science (1988).

After years of planning, Dr. Hall and his team presented their proposal to the PRT in Columbia in January 1974. The application stipulated that the state would be responsible for dismantling and removing the geodesic cube, ensuring that the school district would not bear the expense. With the terms established, the PRT officially transferred the property to Greenville County Schools on February 5, 1974, for the nominal cost of $5, with the following stipulations:

“Excluded from this conveyance is the metallic cube presently located on the property, which is to be removed from the property by the grantor as soon as practicable.This conveyance of the…property is subject to the conditions that it shall be exclusively used for open space purposes, and the open space use or uses of said property shall include use for park and recreation purposes, conservation of land and other natural resources and education in the practices thereof, and historic and scenic purposes. Said property shall not be used in any manner which discriminates upon the basis of race, creed, color, or national origin. If the aforesaid property is used for any purpose or in any manner which is contrary and inconsistent with the above-mentioned conditions, it shall revert to the grantor.”

With that, the Roper Mountain Environmental Center was born.

Unknown to all involved at the time, it would take eleven more years of dedicated effort before Roper Mountain Science Center would officially open to the public—finally bringing to life the original vision of a hub for learning and discovery.

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From Ancient Footsteps to Modern Innovation:
The Story of Roper Mountain - Part 2

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.

Image 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.

Image 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.

Image 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.

Image 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.

Image 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.

Image 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.

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Celebrating 40 Years of Discovery:
The Story of Roper Mountain - Part 1

This May, Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville, SC, celebrates a remarkable milestone—40 years of igniting curiosity, inspiring innovation, and shaping the future of science education. Over the past four decades, Roper Mountain has become a cornerstone of learning in the Upstate, offering transformative experiences for students, teachers, and families alike.

To honor this anniversary, we’re embarking on a journey through the history of Roper Mountain Science Center. In this series of articles, we’ll explore the origins of this extraordinary institution, the visionary leaders and educators who brought it to life, and the countless milestones that have marked its path. From its humble beginnings to becoming a regional hub for STEM education, Roper Mountain’s story is one of passion, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to inspiring the next generation of learners.

Through these posts on social media, newsletter articles, and blog on our website, we’ll highlight the evolution of the center's iconic facilities—the planetarium, living history farm, arboretum, and more—that have captivated imaginations for decades. We’ll also spotlight the groundbreaking programs and community partnerships that have established Roper Mountain as a model for science education nationwide.

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of discovery, reflect on the incredible legacy of Roper Mountain Science Center, and look ahead to the exciting future that awaits. Whether you’ve visited as a student, teacher, or lifelong learner, this series is a chance to rediscover the magic of Roper Mountain and its enduring impact on our community.