Olympia Mill Framed Print

Olympia Mill stands as an intact example of late nineteenth century textile mill architecture. Constructed in 1899, the building is significant architecturally as an important example of the Romanesque Revival style applied to industrial architecture and as the work of important mill designers W.B. Smith Whaley & Company. William Burroughs Smith Whaley designed, owned and operated Olympia Mill, serving as its first president. Olympia was one of four cotton mills the firm designed and constructed in Columbia. The firm’s innovations in mill design contributed to the rise of the textile industry in South Carolina and helped to secure their position as one of the most important textile mill designers in the nation. When Olympia Mill opened in 1899, it was widely recognized as “the largest cotton mill under one roof in the world.” The mill is comprised of a massive four-story, red brick, rectangular shaped, main mill building that is connected to an original one and two-story red bric...

Charles Hite is a life-long resident of Lexington County, in South Carolina. His professions have included, the U.S. Army (serving in Germany), licensed professional land surveyor, sales/customer service rep, and right-of-way agent with the SCDOT. In addition to photography, his hobbies include astronomy and landscape gardening. His venture into serious photography began in 2009 at age 60. At the encouragement of family and friends, he began selling his photos in late 2012 at Soda City Market in Columbia, SC. His love of nature in all aspects can be seen in his photos. He enthusiastically enjoys sharing the stories of his photos with others, and listening to their stories. Most of his scenic photos are from SC and the Midlands,...