For 150 years, Rock Hill has been honored as a valuable locale in the South. Because the early town centered around the railways, travelers and industry arrived soon after. In 1895 the institution now known as Winthrop University relocated from Columbia, South Carolina to Rock Hill, and the city secured its reputation for being devoted to education. In its lifetime, Rock Hill has been home to many notable individuals, including nationally recognized artists and writers. Its cultural opportunities still abound, both in conjunction with the university and as straightforward community efforts, as well as through various museums, historic districts, and springtime festivals.