THE 96 VISITOR CENTER

The Ninety Six Visitor Center is appropriately located in the center of town in the Town Square. Visitors can pick up brochures or watch the kiosk for an information video about Ninety Six and its surrounding area. The Center houses The Tourism Department, The Historic 96 Development Association and 96 Chamber of Commerce. The facility also provides an exhibit/meeting room for displaying local artisans arts and crafts and Ninety Six memorabilia. The 96 Visitor Center, 97 Main Street (Hwy 34) Ninety Six, SC 29666 (864) 534-4820. See the Tourism Page.

THE HISTORIC 96 TRAIN DEPOT

The Depot, on the National Registry, is one of the oldest buildings in the Town of Ninety Six, built by Norfolk Southern Railway in 1852. In 1856, US Senator Preston Brooks held his re-election speeches here after resigning for striking US Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts on the Senate floor with his cane. Over 10,000 people attended the re-election speeches, as well as the NY Times and hundreds of canes were sent from all over the South. The Depot has been preserved and currently still serves the community as a Community Center. Two State Historic Signs are located at the Depot. The original desk and telegraph can be seen today at the 96 Visitor Center.

THE 96 FIELD PENNSYLVANIA RIVER ROCK FOUNTAIN

The stone Fountain, located on Main Street stands beside the Visitor’s Center. The Historic Ninety Six “Star Fort” Fountain is the centerpiece of the downtown serving as a gathering place for locals and tourists seeking relaxation and a great place to spend time with family and friends.  It is also a great place to take vacation photos as the number 96 is laid within the Pennsylvania field stone.  The fountain, constructed in 1998, was the result of years of leadership by the Historic Ninety Six Development Association, former Mayor Charles Harts, William “Bill” Gardner, and the support of the entire community to implement the downtown improvement plan prepared by Jason Epley, a graduate student of Clemson University in 1996.  The fountain design was inspired by the nearby Ninety Six National Historic Site, its history, and the Star Fort itself.

THE GAZEBO

Another focal point on the square in Historic Downtown 96 is:  THE GAZEBO.  According to former 96 Chamber of Commerce member and local business owner Clara Able, the 96 Chamber of Commerce solicited donations and funds for this project in the 1980’s.  The construction of THE GAZEBO was completed in 1987.Each brick that was laid into place was donated by Hanson Brick, then known as SOUTHERN BRICK. No cost of this project was incurred to the Town of 96-as it was a community project.  According to the records and research by the 96 Chamber of Commerce, the total price of the gazebo project was $18,339.41.  The Chamber search also yielded signed drawings of architect J.C. Lake that were dated 3/12/1986.  It is a lovely place to take a quick break while walking through Town.