The Village of Pineville
Pineville, established in 1793-94, was one of the first planters’ retreats in the South. James Sinkler built the first summer house here in 1793. Pineville, named for its “religiously preserved” pines and known for its “sweet and balmy air,” became a village in 1794 after John Cordes, Peter Gaillard, John Palmer, and Peter, Philip, and Samuel Porcher built houses here as well.
By 1830 Pineville had more than 60 houses, a chapel, an academy, a library, and a race track. Frederick Porcher wrote in 1858, “the prestige of its ancient fame remains.” Union troops burned most of the village in 1865, except the chapel, library, post office, and Gourdin House (ca. 1820). The Pineville Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Where it stands. Matilda Cir. (S.C. Sec. Rd. 204), just S of its junction with S.C. Hwy. 45, Pineville, Pineville