Location

Located in York County, South Carolina, Rock Hill is the fourth largest city in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. Just 25 miles south of uptown Charlotte, Rock Hill is home to approximately 66,000 people. Situated along the Catawba River, Rock Hill is approximately 150 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and 75 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains, making exploring the state on weekend trips fun and easy.

History

The town of Rock Hill came into existence after the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad decided to send a rail through the area. The three largest landowners saw the advantage of the rail system being close by, and granted right-of-way, thus allowing the railway station and post office to open in 1852. This railway station became a Civil War transfer point for troops and supplies. Trade and commerce built the town rapidly. In 1961, the Friendship Nine, young African-American men, were jailed as a result of a sit-in at the segregated McCrory’s lunch counter. Their actions gained national coverage. Later that year, Rock Hill was the first stop for the Freedom Riders, including John Lewis, who were beaten as they emerged from the bus, which also drew national attention. In 2002, Rep. Lewis returned to speak at Winthrop University and accepted an official apology from Mayor Doug Echols.

Lifestyle & Area Attractions

Rock Hill’s historic downtown is anchored by twelve contiguous buildings renovated to offer unique shopping and dining options, while nearby Charlotte offers many art, history and science museums. You can learn more about the history of the Catawba Indian Nation at the Catawba Cultural Center. In Spring, enjoy the ten day Come-See-Me festival celebrating all the season has to offer.

Kids of all ages love Carowinds Theme Park, with the thrill rides and water park offering a fun-filled active day. The park, located on the state line between North and South Carolina, also offers concerts and seasonal activities, such as Scare-o-winds during Halloween.

For those who love professional sports, you can’t beat this area! Home to the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Knights, Charlotte Checkers, Charlotte Hornets, and the Prime Time Players, there are endless opportunities to cheer on your new favorite teams. Love motor sports? You’re in luck, as the NASCAR Hall of Fame is located in Charlotte, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway is just up the highway in Concord, North Carolina. Many of the racing teams call this area home and offer tours and career opportunities.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Glencairn Garden is a lovely way to spend the day strolling through the trails leading to flower gardens and sculptures. The Anne Springs Close Greenway, a nature preserve of 2,300 acres of lakes, forests, and pastures offers trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Lake Wylie is a short drive away and offers fishing, boating and watersport opportunities year-round. The U.S. National Whitewater Center, located in Charlotte, offers family fun for all ages and interests, including rafting, kayaking, wall climbing, ropes courses and outdoor concerts in the summer.

General Information

Rock Hill enjoys a true four-season climate, although winters are typically mild and summers humid. York County School District 3 operates 27 public schools. Two charter schools serve the area, York Preparatory and Legion Collegiate Academies. There are also a variety of religious private schools. York Tech Community College offers many certification programs and two-year degrees, and two notable colleges offer four-year and graduate degree programs. Winthrop University, a public liberal arts university and Clinton College, an HBCU founded in 1894.

Health care is always close by, with Atrium Health and Novant Health care systems offering several convenient locations of hospitals and specialty offices. Nearby Charlotte is home to many notable specialized health care centers as well.

Fun Facts

Nicknamed “Football City USA”, Rock Hill is home to 21 NFL players, and boasts some of the best soccer facilities in the nation.

Education

School Name Phone Students*
Applied Technology Center (803)981-1100 0
Belleview Elementary (803)981-1181 452
Castle Heights Middle (803)981-1400 786
Central Child Development Center (803)980-2060 310
Cherry Park Elementary School of Language Immersion (803)985-2255 742
Dutchman Creek Middle (803)985-1700 921
Ebenezer Avenue Elementary: Traditional Montesorri Inquiry (803)981-1435 511
Ebinport Elementary (803)981-1550 380
Finley Road Elementary (803)981-1280 349
Independence Elementary (803)981-1135 516
India Hook Elementary (803)985-1600 582
Lesslie Elementary (803)981-1910 372
Mount Gallant Elementary (803)981-1360 504
Mount Holly Elementary (803)985-1650 470
Northside Elementary (803)981-1570 498
Northwestern High (803)981-1200 1798
Oakdale Elementary (803)981-1585 514
Old Pointe Elementary (803)980-2040 492
Rawlinson Road Middle (803)981-1500 573
Richmond Drive Elementary (803)981-1930 416
Rock Hill High (803)981-1300 1882
Rosewood Elementary (803)981-1540 461
Saluda Trail Middle (803)981-1800 894
South Pointe High (803)980-2100 1406
Sunset Park Center for Accelerated Studies (803)981-1260 429
The Palmetto School at the Children?s Attention Home (803)328-6555 24
W. C. Sullivan Middle (803)981-1450 942
York Road Elementary (803)981-1950 370