The Super Highway in Upstate South Carolina 

Presented by William “Lynn” Duncan & Scott Winthrow

Completed in 1946, U.S. Highway 29 was a groundbreaking development for the Upstate region of South Carolina, linking Greenville and Spartanburg with what was then considered a state-of-the-art roadway. The highway cuts a winding path through Piedmont, bringing with it not only improved transportation but also significant economic and social change. Over time, the corridor became home to thriving businesses, shaping a new landscape and helping define the modern identity of the region. Along this route, figures like J. Harley Bonds left lasting marks through his leadership in education and desegregation efforts. In this presentation, authors William “Lynn” Duncan and Scott Withrow delve into the rich history of this transformative highway, highlighting the people, places, and stories that have traveled its path over the decades.

William “Lynn” Duncan grew up in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, and spent forty-one years as an educator with the Greenville County School District. A passionate historian, he is a member of the Circus Historical Society and teaches courses on circus history through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Furman University. He is the editor of ten oral history books, including South Carolina Remembers World War II (1995), and brings a deep love of regional history to his work.

Scott Withrow, a native of Western North Carolina, is a retired educator and park ranger. He continues to pursue his interests in hiking, gardening, photography, drawing, writing, and travel. Active in local history, he volunteers with the Greer Heritage Museum and teaches history courses through OLLI at Furman University. With a shared passion for uncovering the stories of the Upstate, Withrow and Duncan bring history to life through engaging storytelling and meticulous research.

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