PENDLETON — In 1790, the cultures of the Scots-Irish, Revolutionary War veterans and wealthy Charlestonians came together to settle the Pendleton District and these people formed what soon became the political, economic and social capital of the Upstate.

Guide Ellen Harrison will conduct a walking tour through the historic town of Pendleton on Aug. 7 and Aug. 8 that will focus on the south end of the historic district as participants walk up and down Mechanics Street. The tours last about two hours and are 1.6 miles long.

Some of the houses and sites highlighted will be Hunter’s Store, historic village green, Farmer’s Hall, Pendleton Playhouse, “twin” Sitton houses and MiCasa, home of Mrs. J.C. Calhoun. Also featured will be Liberty Hall, ruins of Tanglewood, Marshalsea, the early 1800s jail, and the Benson house, one of the oldest structures in town.

Early architectural practices evident in houses built between 1793 and 1850 will be discussed as well as the lives of the people who lived in the dwellings.

Diaries and letters of early Pendletonians will be used to talk about the personalities and accomplishments of the early settlers. Photos, some dating back to the 1880s, will also be used to enhance the tour experience.

The tours begin at 10 a.m. inside Hunter’s Store and is held rain or shine. Admission is $5.

The walking tour is sponsored by the Pendleton District Historical, Recreational, and Tourism Commission, visitor and archival center for Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties.

The Commission is located at 125 Queen St. in Pendleton, inside Hunter’s Store. Call 864-646-3782 for more information.

Staff Report