Clemson in Pickens County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Fort Hill
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 6, 2021
1. Fort Hill Marker (side A)
A national historic landmark, Fort Hill was the home of University founders Thomas Green and Anna Maria Calhoun Clemson, and Anna's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Calhoun. It was built in 1803 as a four-room manse for Old Stone Church and passed to Mrs. Clemson through her mother, Floride Calhoun, who inherited the home and 1,341 acres of land from her mother. By the end of the Civil War, 139 enslaved African-Americans worked the plantation, and African-Americans continued to be a vital force in Fort Hill operations, primarily as sharecroppers and domestics, until Mr. Clemson's death in 1888.The vision of Thomas Green and Anna Maria Calhoun Clemson that led to the founding of Clemson University was made possible by Fort Hill. After the death of his wife and children, Thomas Green Clemson bequeathed his estate to the state to support a “high seminary of learning.” A plaque denotes where the first meeting of the original Board of Trustees took place under an oak tree on the property. In his last will and testament, Mr. Clemson eloquently described his and Anna's vision for the institution and instructed that Fort Hill “shall always be
this page online
1803
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Erected by Clemson University.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Education. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1803.
Location. 34° 40.695′ N, 82° 50.307′ W. Marker is in Clemson, South Carolina, in Pickens County. Marker is on Fort Hill Street west of Calhoun Drive, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 520 Fort Hill St, Clemson SC 29634, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Fort Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the First Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Clemson Agricultural College (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Hill Plantation Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Trustee House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Hill
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 6, 2021
2. Fort Hill Marker (side B)
Regarding Fort Hill. An identical marker is located southeast of the main house near Riggs Hall.
Also see . . .
1. Fort Hill: National Historic Landmark. University webpage with details, photographs and images relating to the house, including of African Americans who worked in and around it. (Submitted on November 8, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Asset Detail | Fort Hill. National Register nomination (PDF) and photographs (PDF) submitted for the landmark mansion. (Submitted on November 8, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 6, 2021
3. Fort Hill Marker
Marker is on the left, where the sidewalks connect. It is difficult to see because it blends in with the trees.
Daderot via WikiMedia Commons/Public domain, October 19, 2013
4. Fort Hill
via Clemson University Libraries/Public domain
5. Thomas Green Clemson
Unknown / Public domain
6. Anna Maria Calhoun Clemson
Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 109 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 8, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
