Clemson in Pickens County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Fort Hill Slave Quarters / Clemson College Convict Stockade
Inscription.
Fort Hill Slave Quarters Located one-eighth mile from the main house, the Fort Hill slave quarters were described in 1849 as being "built of stone and joined together like barracks, with gardens attached." Some 70-80 enslaved African-Americans then lived at Fort Hill. In 1854, Andrew P. Calhoun moved to Fort Hill from Alabama with his property, including slaves. At his death in 1865, the estate included 139 enslaved African Americans.
Clemson College Convict Stockade In 1890, convicted laborers, mostly African Americans with sentences ranging from two months to life, were jailed in a prison stockade nearby. They cleared land, and made and laid bricks. They also dismantled the stone slave quarters to use as foundations for Clemson College's earliest buildings, including the Chemistry Building, Main Administration Building, and faculty residences.
Erected 2016 by Sponsored by Clemson University. (Marker Number 39-19.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location.
34° 40.534′ N, 82° 50.306′ W. Marker is in Clemson, South Carolina, in Pickens County. Marker is at the intersection of South Palmetto Boulevard and Fernow Street, on the right when traveling east on South Palmetto Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Clemson SC 29631, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Riggs Hall (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sirrine Hall (about 600 feet away); Fort Hill (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Woodland Cemetery Clemson University / Fort Hill Slave and Convict Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Outdoor Theater (Amphitheater) (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in 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 254 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on November 8, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.