In 1777 Anderson county was within the area deeded by Cherokee Indians to South Carolina. Twelve years later Anderson and the two counties to its north became the Pendleton district, with its courthouse in Pendleton. Anderson county was established in 1826 and named for the American Revolutionary War general Robert Anderson. During the American Civil War it became a centre of ammunitions manufacture for the Confederate army. The area has long been noted for raising racehorses.
Livestock and agriculture (particularly cattle, chickens, vegetables, soybeans, grains, and hay) are important to the economy, as is the manufacture of textiles, fibreglass, and rubber and plastic products. The city of Anderson is the county seat. Other towns include Belton, Williamston, and Honea Path. Area 718 square miles (1,860 square km). Pop. (2000) 165,740; (2007 est.2010) 179187,981126.