Lampost at Falls Park in downtown Greenville, SC I noticed a silly little thing and have been curious ever since … Most of the lamppost in downtown Greenville are marked with the number 17. Here is a close-up photo … I have asked a few friends if they have a theory as to why. The idea I liked most was that maybe 17 is the number of the inspector. Like the slip of paper that says “inspected by # 17″ which you sometimes find in new underwear.