Honoring 250 Years of Independence: Oconee County and the Revolution

July 2026 marks the 250^th Anniversary of the American Revolution. The Declaration of Independence stirs our hearts by stating: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Moreover, we are aware of the various battles and the eventual surrender of the British at the Battle of Yorktown. Yet, what role did South Carolina play in the American Revolution? The South Carolina 250 Committee, along with counties in South Carolina, aims to showcase the pivotal role our state played in securing victory at Yorktown.

We, the Oconee SC250 Committee, would like everyone to pause and reflect on this, the 250^th Anniversary of the American Revolution. We encourage everyone to take time to learn about how this period affected the lives of everyone who resided in the frontier of South Carolina as well as how the conclusion of the Revolution led to the growth and future development of present-day Oconee County.

During the colonial period, this area was part of the Cherokee Territory and contained over 20 Cherokee lower towns as well as several British forts. This area did not experience the epic battles that occurred across the state; however, there were multiple skirmishes between the Cherokee and the Patriot forces. The most well-known is the August 1776 Ring Fight, with Major, later General, Andrew Pickens. These skirmishes were bloody and violent.  Although the Cherokee signed a treaty in 1777, ceding lands in present Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson counties to the Patriots, a true cessation of hostilities did not occur until 1782. After the Revolution, representatives of the Cherokee Nation met at Hopewell, the home of General Andrew Pickens, and secured the Hopewell Treaty.

Over the course of 2026, we will provide several opportunities to learn about the American Revolution. I am happy to announce that our Education Subcommittee is working on a Teaching Trunk. This trunk will be available to local schools and homeschool programs.  Similarly, the Historical Research Subcommittee is working on locating every known Patriot burial in Oconee County. Lastly, make sure to follow our blog and other social media. Some upcoming blog topics are General History of the American Revolution, Women in the American Revolution, Cherokee in the American Revolution, and several more topics!      

May we all come together to celebrate this momentous event! 

Written by Quientell Walker

Oconee SC250 President