Pickens in Pickens County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Pickens
The Town That Moved
The town of Pickens was established as the center of government for the newly established Pickens District. The county was originally part of the Pickens District, today's Pickens and Oconee Counties. Its center of government, Pickens Court House, was centrally located within the Pickens District. After Pickens County was established, the town of Pickens Court House was dismantled and rebuilt here in 1868. Several of its buildings were moved, including the courthouse, a Masonic lodge, and this residence belonging to Col. J.E. Hagood. This residence is the only remaining structure in town that was moved here from old Pickens Court House.
Moving the county seat to a central location suggests the difficulty residents had in traveling through this area, which was still the "backwoods" of South Carolina. With limited rail service, local residents needed to have centralized access to its governmental center. As a governmental and commercial crossroads, the town of Pickens grew. The original courthouse was replaced in 1892. Other early buildings of the early town include the Pickens County jail ("Gaol"), built in 1902. Today, this building serves as the Pickens County Museum - a place to discover the history of the town and county of Pickens.
Erected by South Carolina Heritage Corridor .
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina Heritage Corridor series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 34° 53.117′ N, 82° 42.333′ W. Marker is in Pickens, South Carolina, in Pickens County. Marker is on Griffin Street. Marker is near the intersection of Griffin and North Lewis Streets, on the property of the Hagood-Mauldin House (the home mentioned by the marker's text). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pickens SC 29671, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Carpenter's Wheel (a few steps from this marker); The Hagood-Mauldin House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hagood-Mauldin House (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Crazy Quilt (within shouting distance of this marker); William M. Hagood (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew Pickens (within shouting distance of this marker); Garren's Café (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Resting Place (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pickens.
Also see . . .
1. City of Pickens. City website homepage (Submitted on April 5, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Pickens County, South Carolina. County website homepage (Submitted on September 25, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,326 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 25, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.