History Lesson: Pendleton

Somehow, we have avoided Pendleton, South Carolina since we have lived here even though it's only about twenty minutes from the house. Last week, Cari and I decided to check it out. When this area was being settled by Americans before the war between the states, the town of Pendleton was the place to be. Many prominent families either lived or vacationed in Pendleton. The Pendleton district (before counties) was a large area. When counties were drawn up, the Pendleton district was split into three areas. Fortunately, many (over 40) structures have survived from the mid 1800's. In fact, the entire town is listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places. Over 6,000 acres!

Cari and I took a quick walk around town that day but had to get home after a short time. A few days later we returned and took another walk. The homes are beautiful.
This home was built in 1811 and had additions built during the 1800's.
Dr. Pickens built this home in 1860 for his bride. She refused to live in it, preferring the home her parents owned. I wonder if there was an argument that night?

This brick home was the first brick residence in Pendleton. Built in 1859. The post office was also located in a room of this house for a time. Just before I took the photo of the brick house, an elderly lady came from the house and got into a car. I asked Cari if she thought the lady was original to the house. After some thought, Cari said she wasn't sure.

This white, wooden home was built in 1860. It is identical in plan to the above brick home.

If you copy someone's house design, that probably shows how much you love their home. What does it mean if you copy them AND build directly across the street?

We walked past an oil mill that looks to still be in use. The original purpose of the mill was to extract oil from cotton seeds.

During our second visit, we spent most of the morning in the cemetery at St. Paul's Church (1822).

The amount of prominent persons buried here is amazing. There are countless stories and tons of history with every step. Politicians, the founders of towns and universities (Clemson), and some Confederate generals have all been laid to rest here. One monument told a story of Harry Miller. A student that left school to join the Confederate army. The stone tells his story of training and going to fight in Virginia. He would be killed fighting for the cause he believed in.

I saw several of these medals on the ground. There are a lot of Confederate soldiers and sailors buried here. Did you know the Confederate States had a navy?

Before we left Pendleton, we walked down to check out a few of the other old church buildings. Absolutely beautiful buildings were up and down every street. This is the Prebyterian church built in 1897. The congregation was organized in 1789.

Our very last stop was at the Village Baker. Wow! This bakery has some amazing food. If you have an opportunity to get into Pendleton, SC, take it! The history, beauty, and awesome bakery will not disappoint you.