The life of William States Lee, Jr. was celebrated with an induction into the Anderson County Museum’s Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Nominated by Michael Gardner, W.S. Lee was chosen from an outstanding list of people who have made significant contributions to Anderson County and South Carolina.
Mr. Lee, along with James B. Duke, played a key role in starting the Duke Energy Company. Lee was an influential member of a powerful regional South Carolina community responsible for a new electric utility industry, the new south textile boom, and the future growth of the Piedmont. Lee was looked upon as one of the country’s foremost pioneers in waterpower development. Much of the industrial advancement in the Carolinas can be credited to his individual effort and ability. It is said that he literally changed the industrial geography of these states by his hydro-electric enterprises furnishing energy to a vast network of transmission lines.
The Hall of Fame recipient is nominated by the museum Advisory Committee which is appointed by the County Council. Nominees must be deceased for at least ten years before they are eligible to be submitted. The ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. on October 17th followed by a reception. Both are open to the public.
The award-winning Anderson County Museum is celebrating 40 years of preserving the history and heritage of Anderson County and South Carolina. Located at 202 East Greenville Street in downtown Anderson, the museum is handicap accessible and admission free. The Fred Whitten Gallery and Whitner’s Mercantile store hours are Tuesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Roper Research Room is open 1 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and by appointment with the Curator. For more information, contact the Museum at (864) 260-4737.
Editor’s Note: The W. S. Lee Station combined-cycle natural gas plant and the Lee Steam facility before it, both located near Williamston, SC, were named for W. S. Lee.
