News Summary
Spartanburg County celebrates the grand reopening of the Walnut Grove Manor House, which underwent a $1.5 million restoration. Public tours will commence during the Festifall Weekend, showcasing the region’s Revolutionary War history. Built in 1765, the manor’s architectural heritage has been preserved while revealing fascinating historical insights during the renovation process.
Spartanburg County has marked the grand reopening of the historic Walnut Grove Manor House, following a comprehensive $1.5 million restoration. This renovation was essential as the house faced significant structural damage, putting it at risk of collapse. Public tours of the fully restored manor will begin during the 33rd annual Festifall Weekend, set for October 4-5, 2025.
The event will highlight the region’s deep Revolutionary War history, featuring over 100 reenactors and living historians. The Walnut Grove Manor, built in 1765 for Charles and Mary Moore and their extensive family, serves as a vital reminder of Spartanburg’s rich historical past. The property was originally granted to the Moores by King George III and is a significant part of what is now southern Spartanburg County.
In 2024, the house drew visitors from 43 states and six countries, demonstrating its attraction as a historical site. The restoration was completed under the guidelines of the South Carolina Historic Preservation Office, and it included significant repairs to the foundation, walls, and ceilings to ensure its safety and longevity.
Key restoration efforts featured the replacement of dried green timbers in the foundation, which had shifted and endangered the structural integrity of the building. Straps were used strategically to realign and reinforce the chimneys and walls. Furthermore, the front porch restoration was meticulously crafted based on a historical photograph from 1904.
Visitors to the manor will find displays that illustrate the building’s condition prior to restoration, as well as explanations of the repairs that were necessary. An exciting discovery during the restoration was the original siding, showcasing alterations made since its initial construction in 1765. Additionally, three 18th-century locks were unearthed on the interior doors, offering further historical insights.
Moreover, cut-outs in walls and ceilings expose the original construction beams, providing a glimpse into the house’s architectural history. On the second floor, a display documents restoration efforts related to past fire damage. The previously inaccessible second floor will now welcome public visitors, adding to the overall experience of the house, which is furnished with period-appropriate artifacts.
The Walnut Grove Manor House is not only a historic residence but also a site of significant events during the Revolutionary War. It was home to Margaret Moore, the eldest daughter of the Moore family, who acted as a scout for General Daniel Morgan during the pivotal Battle of Cowpens in January 1781. Furthermore, the property endured a raid by Loyalists in November 1781 under the command of William “Bloody Bill” Cunningham, which resulted in the death of a Patriot soldier.
A cemetery located just 500 yards from the house holds the remains of two Patriot soldiers and the Moore family members. Unmarked graves within the cemetery are believed to belong to formerly enslaved individuals who worked on the plantation, adding another layer to the site’s historical significance.
The Walnut Grove Manor House was generously donated to the Spartanburg County Foundation by the Moore family in 1961, and it is now managed by the Spartanburg County Historical Association, which oversees the entire site, including a museum. The restoration project was undertaken by the Charleston-based firms Bennett Preservation Engineering and McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, with completion achieved in mid-September 2025.
As Walnut Grove Manor House prepares to welcome back the public, it continues to attract an estimated 5,000 visitors annually, ensuring that its rich history is appreciated and preserved for generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Walnut Grove Manor Tours
- Google Search: Walnut Grove Manor
- WSPA: Historic Site Restoration
- Google Scholar: Walnut Grove Manor House
- Tukios: Walnut Grove Manor Photo Gallery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Walnut Grove Manor House
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
