Walhalla, South Carolina

Walhalla is a mountain city in the Appalactian Mountians of South Carolina with a population of over 3 thousand. It is the county seat of Oconee county. The current Mayor is Danny Edwards.

History
Walhalla began as a settlement of German immigrants who left from Hamburg, Germany and Bavaria with some English, Scots and Irish who came over in the same ship. In particular, General John A. Wagener, Claus Bullwinkel, John C. Henckel, Jacob Schroder, and Christopher F. Seeba (trustees of the German Colonization Society of Charleston) bought 17,859 acres (72.27 km2) of land for $27,000 from Reverend Joseph Grisham of West Union on December 24, 1849.

Walhalla soon became a well-known German colony. The houses were built with primitive design and built mainly along Main Street. In the course of time more substantial houses were built. The town began to develop along the ridge from east to west. Main Street grew to an unusual length. Walhalla become know as the "Shoe-String Town." This is not true because it has steadily grown in width as well and length. On April 13, 1948, the Midway section was added. Main street is recognized as one of the most beautiful streets that any town or city can boast of.

Oktoberfest
Due to its German heritage, Walhalla is also known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration, which begins on the third Friday of October each year. The festival takes on Main Street in Walhalla (Hwy 28) and on the city's Sertoma Field, located between the high school and downtown (Hwy 183). The festival includes art and craft vendors, music, dancing, specialty food vendors, Carnival rides, and other festive activities.

Historical Sites

 * Ellicott Rock
 * Keil Farm
 * Oconee County Cage
 * Oconee Station and Richards House
 * St. John's Lutheran Church
 * Stumphouse Tunnel Complex
 * Walhalla Graded School