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Cultural & Heritage Tour

Fort Rutledge Monument, Clemson

Sometimes referred to as Seneca Fort, the fort was built by Colonel Andrew Williamson and those under his command in August of 1776. It was near the site of Esseneca Cherokee Indian Village, now located on Clemson University campus.

Central High School, Central

A local landmark, it was built in the early 1900s and continually used as a school until 1955. After closing, the school was used for civic and municipal functions. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is presently used as an apartment building.

Hopewell Treaty Oak Site, Clemson

On November 28, 1785, U.S. Treaty Commissioners met with 918 Cherokees at Treaty Oak on the Pickens Hopewell plantation and signed the first treaty between the United States of America and the Cherokee Nation. Take U.S. Hwy 76 south of Clemson and turn onto Old Stone Church Rd. Go one mile and turn left onto Old Cherry Rd. (Rd. 19) and travel approximately .7 of a mile. The marker is on the right side of the road.

Central City Hall/Jail, Central

Built of granite blocks during the 1920s, the building was used first as a jail for local offenders and as a city hall. In 1994, prior to acquisition of the Morgan House for use as a museum, Central City Council gave the Central Heritage Society permission to use the old jail as a museum. Although plans were put on hold for its use, it is hoped that one day the town will again allow this historic building to serve the community as a public historic site. Located at 415 Gaines St, Central, for viewing only.

South Carolina Botanical Garden, Clemson
South Carolina Botanical Garden, Clemson
 

South Carolina Botanical Garden, Clemson

The 295 acre garden features over 2,200 varieties of ornamental plants in five areas, with plants both native and introduced; niche gardens; natural woodlands and streams; an arboretum; and the only nature-based sculpture collection of its kind in the nation. A visitors center, the Campbell Geology Museum, and the Carriage House Coffee and Gift Shop are also located here. The garden hosts numerous educational and recreational events year round, including nature walks and festivals. The grounds are open 365 days a year from dawn until dusk, free of charge. Group tours are available by appointment (864) 656-7697. Call 864-656-3405 for other information. www.clemson.edu/scbg

Red Caboose, Central    The car that once signaled the end of the train is fittingly displayed as a memorial to the railroad tradition that brought so much prosperity and history to Central. This bit of Americana is of special interest to the many railroad buffs who visit Central, as well as to children of all ages. Located at East Main St., Central, near traffic light. Call (864) 639-2794 for more information.

Faith Clayton Research Room, Central

Housed at Southern Wesleyan University's Rickman Library, this extensive genealogical collection includes pictures, documents, books and a database of more than 300,000 names. It is considered one of the state's finest regional genealogical resources. Located at 967 Wesleyan Drive, Central. Call (864) 639-6387 or (864) 644-5088 for more information or e-mail to claytonroom@swu.edu.

Hopewell, Clemson

Hopewell, the home of Revolutionary War hero and Indian Commission General Andrew Pickens and his wife, Rebecca Calhoun Pickens, stands on Clemson University property on the Seneca River. Their son, Andrew Pickens (SC Governor, 1816-1818) later owned Hopewell, and it was the childhood home of his son, Francis Wilkinson Pickens (SC Governor, 1860-1862).

Ben Robertson's Grave, Liberty

Ben Robertson is the South's most famous journalist, author, and war correspondent. Author of three novels, including Red Hills and Cotton, he died in 1943 in a plane crash while returning to Europe as a war correspondent and was buried in Liberty, SC. From Main Street in Liberty, turn onto S. Peachtree St., then right on to Old Norris Rd. Turn left at the first paved driveway into the cemetery on your left. Adjacent to a large above-ground crypt you will find a few tall Robertson family tombstones.

  Chapman House, Liberty
Chapman House, Liberty

Chapman House, Liberty

The Chapman House was built by William Harleston Chapman who married Carrie Jane Callaham. Chapman was in the general merchandise business with his brother-in-law B. H. Callaham. Together, they operated the Chapman & Callaham Store located on the east side of Second Street, now known as Commerce Street. Chapman was also in the farming business and later was president of one of the local banks. The People's Journal reported in August 26, 1897, that "W. H. Chapman has commenced a commodious residence, one of the prettiest building sites in town." Five boys and two girls were born to the Chapmans in the house. Willie Pett, their youngest daughter, was married to L. M. Howell in the home on July 6, 1924. The other daughter Callie, who married J. P. Glenn in June 1915, was the first bride to be married in the new Liberty Presbyterian Church (built in 1913). The porch was extended across the front, down the west side to the well, and across the back from the kitchen to the well. Harry Chapman, a son, and his wife Monica added the second floor porch when they moved into the house. They later remodeled the downstairs and enclosed part of the side porch for their bedroom and bath. The upstairs was made into two apartments. The home is now privately owned.

Oolenoy Community Club, Pumpkintown

Built in the late 1800s as a school at Oolenoy Baptist Church, the building is used as a Community Center, and is the home of the famous Pumpkin Festival.

Camp Oolenoy/Roper House, Pumpkintown

Built as a home by Samuel Roper in 1856, Elizabeth Ellison bought 17 acres of the Roper property in 1952 and opened Camp Oolenoy to seventh grade students. She donated the home and property to the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. National Register of Historic Places.

Rudolph E. Lee Gallery, Clemson

This art gallery affords visitors an opportunity to view the most current trends in architectural design and construction. Open M-F 9AM-4:30PM; Sun. 2-5PM. Closed selected University holidays. (864)656-4789 or (864) 656-3881.

Aunt Sue's Country Corner, Pickens

This is an ice cream parlor, restaurant and a unique village of country specialty shops. The restaurant features deli sandwiches and salads served throughout the day. Homemade ice cream cones, homemade fudge, and homemade cobblers are all available. The specialty shops feature an assortment of locally made crafts and decorative items for your home. Located on Scenic Highway 11, two miles east of Table Rock State Park. Seasonal hours: Closed Mondays except Holidays. Ice Cream Parlor and gift shops close late December. (864) 878-4366 call ahead for hours. www.auntsues.com

Foothills Playhouse, West End Hall, Easley

Over 20 years ago a group of performers began putting on plays in an empty storefront. A group of interested citizens from Easley banded together and today's lovely 240-seat Foothills Playhouse presents six shows a year - a result of this nonprofit organization's community-driven effort. The actors put on shows that entertain the entire community. They know how to play for the crowd. Foothills Playhouse is located in the West End Hall Complex, a renovated school building dating from the 1920's. For show and ticket information, call (864) 855-1817. 135 Folger Avenue, PO Box 843 Easley, SC 29641

Central Community Center (formerly Central African American School), Central

A great deal of effort has gone into preserving the early 20th century three-room schoolhouse that once served the town's African-American community. Two area residents who attended the school chose to remember its past, and pledged to preserve the historical site for future generations. Today the clapboard structure affords room for everything from family gatherings to church socials. Open by appointment only. 114 W. Main Street, Central. (864) 639-2115

Pickens Flea Market and Bargain Exchange Jockey Lot, Pickens

The largest continuous shed in South Carolina, it stretches one fourth of a mile, bordering 32 acres of flat open ground. Open every Wednesday morning. Hwy. 183 west of downtown Pickens approximately 3 miles. (864) 878-4762 or (864) 878-7646

Greenville/Pickens Speedway, Easley

The Greenville/Pickens Speedway held its first race in July 1946. Not only did automobiles race at that first historic event, but there was a horse race as well. The Speedway is the second oldest continually operating NASCAR track in the nation. Legends of NASCAR raced and won often in the 1950s and 1960s at this historic half-mile oval. Race enthusiasts from many areas come each week for the races. You can enjoy races all summer; then this location hosts the Upper South Carolina State Fair on Labor Day weekend and the week following. Thousands come each year to enjoy rides, crafts, food, and carnival activities. The track is located on Hwy. 123 between Easley and Greenville, SC. For more information, call (864) 269-0852.

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