Built about 1785 initially as a log structure, Hopewell Plantation is representative of a rural house type, which was common in the late 18th and early 19th century in the South Carolina backcountry. Beginning with a small log structure as a frontier pioneer home for Gen. Andrew Pickens (ca. 1785), Hopewell was substantially enlarged by Gen. Pickens and was his plantation home for about 20 years, (ca. 1785-1815). The general retired to Tomassee Red House and his son Andrew owned Hopewell.
The historical significance of Hopewell rests on the national stature of General Pickens, who will be remembered in American history for his significant contributions as a Revolutionary War General and later as a Native-American negotiator. While Gen. Pickens’ heroics at the Battle of Cowpens are well known, his decades of negotiations with the Cherokees, Choctaws, Chickasaws, Creeks and Chickamauga’s were monumental in peaceful treaties and cohabitation with Native-Americans following the Revolution. Most notably, the Treaty of Hopewell with the Cherokees, Choctaws and Chickasaws still today provides civil liberties to First Peoples.
Gifts may be donated for the preservation and restoration of Hopewell: Home of General Andrew Pickens. Contact the Clemson Fund, 110 Daniel Drive, Clemson, S.C. 29634-5602, call 864-656-5896 or make a secure gift online.
For more information:
Download the Hopewell Plantation brochure.