Before Rock Hill was founded, Ebenezer was a community. The exact date of its establishment is not known, but according to Douglas Summers Brown’s book “A City Without Cobwebs,” it was one of the oldest communities in the upcountry. Ebenezer Presbyterian Church was organized in 1785 and the church appears on Robert Mills’ Map of 1825.

Ebenezer Academy was established as a permanent school in 1834. The school was referred to by some in this period as “The Athens of York.” Boys from all over the south came there for their college preparation, especially those who wanted to attend Davidson, Princeton, and the University of Virginia. Many of its alumni became doctors, lawyers, ministers, judges, and one or two state governors attended the Ebenezer Academy. In the 1840’s, Ebenezer had seven or eight homes, one store and a post office.

Life in the community centered around the church originally known as Indian Land Church. Families from all over would attend worship service arriving in horse and buggies and would come with picnic lunches to spend the entire afternoon. There were two sermons and everyone remained for both.

Rock Hill was founded in 1852 with the construction of the Charlotte, Columbia, and Augusta railroad. Ebenezer could have been the location for the new railroad, but the citizens opposed it. They feared that the smoke would destroy the beauty and cleanliness of the community. Rock Hill developed, and Ebenezer became a part of it. Over the years, Ebenezer has evolved into a growing business sector of Rock Hill. Medical facilities, banks, realty companies and other professional buildings have located in this area. More recently The United States Postal Service and Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel located in this growing part of Rock Hill. Local artist Joyce Netzler has painted several Ebenezer landmarks which are on display in the funeral home.