Officials: American Legion Post 3 in Greenville moving to Former Blind Horse Saloon site

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) — The city of Greenville said American Legion Post 3 is preparing to move its historic facility to a new, more accessible location.

The post housed a military museum, hosted community events, celebrated veterans and provided a gathering space for service members and their families, city officials said.

According to city officials, the collection includes uniforms and memorabilia spanning military service from the Revolutionary War to the present day, many of which belonged to veterans who lived and served in Greenville.

“We’re the hidden jewel of Greenville,” said Travis Galloway, the museum’s director. “Once they come in and see it, they’re just wow. They can’t believe it. People tell us they’ve driven past this place for years and never came in, and then they bring their kids and grandkids back to see it.”

According to city officials, the North Main Street location was constructed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The structure features locally sourced granite from Travelers Rest and chestnut wood harvested from the surrounding area.

The new location will be at 1035 Lowndes Hill Road near the Greenville Downtown Airport. The building was formerly occupied by the Blind Horse Saloon, city officials said.

“We have such camaraderie here. We are a band of brothers and sisters. We all have a common interest,” said George Aikens, a Vietnam veteran, museum curator and former post chaplain who has been involved with the post for more than 20 years.

Aikens told city officials that the new location makes it easier for veterans with mobility challenges to visit and participate. The new facility will feature a single-level layout, ramps for wheelchairs, additional parking and a more accessible driveway.

“There are a lot of pluses. We’re on a flat plane, single level, and people will be coming back that were kind of handicapped and it was difficult to get in and out of this building,” Aikens said.

According to city officials, the facility will also include:

• A dedicated museum space rather than requiring exhibits to share a room with meetings and events.
• Additional storage to allow museum staff to rotate displays throughout the year.
• A dedicated meeting space for the American Legion Auxiliary.
• An improved layout that will connect dining and meeting areas for member events.

“I think that the legacy of service needs to be passed on,” said Post 3 Commander Rebecca Conover. “I think that a community needs to see its heritage and how it has been protected, and who those defenders of your freedoms were. Their stories are here to be told.”  

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