The Upcountry History Museum can trace its origins to 1983, which was the year several members of the Greenville County Historic Preservation Commission decided to form the Historic Greenville Foundation. The group was crucial to the successful establishment of the museum, which also received donations from generous benefactors such as Mary Sterling, Alester Furman, and Tom Hartness as well as Hughes Investments? Phil Hughes, who donated the land where the museum continues to stand today.

The museum, which opened its doors in 2007, is now one of the most popular attractions in the area. Of its many fine architectural features, one of the best known would be the museum?s clock tower, which is noted for its resemblance to that of the Old City Hall, which is also located in Greenville. The museum?s cobblestone foundation for its clock tower is also remarkable, which were preserved from textile factories that used to populate the area. Inside, the museum?s exhibits are just as fascinating, having been designed by Boston?s Chadbourne & Associates, which have won several awards in their chosen field.