Approximately 56 acres were purchased by Charles H. Lanneau in 1872 and construction began in 1873. The house and servants quarters were completed in 1876. Mr. Lanneau was a Frenchman who reportedly acquired his wealth by trading with both the Federals and Confederates. His bases of operation was in the Bahamas. He married into the Edwards family who had long been associated with Furman University. A brother of Mr. Lanneau also came to Greenville and taught at Furman.

Mr. Lanneau built textile plants in Greenville, one on Broad Street which is still standing and the other near what is now Lanneau Drive and Camille Avenue. He purchased a mill on Reedy River Falls (the present location of The Citizens & Southern National Bank).

He employed approximately 300 people and was accepted by the community in both business and social circles. He was in effect "The Father of Textiles" in the area. Other textile plants had been established prior to his venture, however, all were quite small in both physical size and number of people employed.

Mr. Lanneau had serious financial difficulties in 1903, lost his business, and was forced to sell his home in 1906.

Alta Vista and the surrounding 56 acres was purchased by J.W. Norwood, banker, in 1906. His new bride, Fannie Conyers, objected to the purchase because she stated, "It is too far from town." She preferred a house which stood near the present site of the Carolina Theatre.

Mr. Norwood was a "Free Thinker" in religion and at one time had three minsters employed to preach in the area.

He was interested in the education of the masses and was a supporter of both Wofford and Furman. He was a strong advocate of private colleges.

In 1926 Mr. Norwood had the surrounding property developed and it was not until after World War II that homes were built on all of the property.

After Mr. Norwood's death in 1945 Alta Vista was acquired by his daughter, Mrs. Sapp Funderburk, and again renovated in 1966. An effort was made to restore it to its original condition.