Historical Marker Unveiled at Hagood Mill

The Hagood Mill Historic Site in Pickens received some recognition from the state Saturday.

A new State Historical Marker from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History was unveiled Saturday as part of the site's Armed Forces Day celebration.

The marker tells of the historic gristmill and the site’s ancient petrogylphs. The petroglyphs, discovered in 2003, include 17 depictions of human figures along with abstract art. 

The discovery of the petroglyphs on the public Hagood Mill site sets it apart from most other petroglyph sites, which are on private property. 

Cultural Commissioner Wayne Kelley said the moment was a very special one for the Hagood Mill.

Pickesn County is blessed with “world-class natural resources and history,” Kelley said 

“We are in fact and without question an historic part of the Upcountry of South Carolina,” he said. “Befitting this important place, the state has granted to us a state historical marker to define this place for future generations.

Rep. Davey Hiott said he could remember when the Hagood Mill site was just woods.

“And now you’ve got this – it’s just a great site,” Hiott said. “It’s a great day to be in Pickens County.”

Hiott said he wants the whole world to see “what Pickens County has.”

National Geographic recently named the Jocassee Gorges one of the 50 Most Beautiful Places.

“We’ve got people coming, wanting to see what we’ve got to offer,” Hiott said. “And it’s because of  you folks who’ve done what you’ve done to make this a desirable place to come and visit. I thank you very much.”

Sen. Larry Martin said the Hagood Mill is a link to a bygone time.

He said when he was a child, the area was dotted with several such mills. Today, Hagood Mill is one of the few reminders of a period in the state’s agricultural history.

“That’s a piece of history, that mill here, that means so much to me,” Martin said, who said he had family who were millers. “I predict that for years to come, that this will be one of the most visited sites in South Carolina.”

County Councilman Randy Crenshaw said the council is dedicated to the heritage and history of Pickens County.

Crenshaw said the Hagood Mill site and its many events could not survive without the many volunteers.

“Without the volunteers, none of this would be possible,” he said.

Hiott agreed. “This places doesn’t run on its own,” he said.  

Crenshaw said the 2013-2014 budget contains funds to complete the Rock Art Center, which will protect and interpret the historic petroglyphs found on the site.

“This is not the end of it by a long shot,” Crenshaw said. “We hope it’s going to get better and better for people to enjoy.”

Pickens County Museum of Art & History Director Allen Coleman said graphic design work is being completed on the Rock Art Center’s displays.

“Once that’s mounted and we get our artifacts in place, we’ll about be there,” he said. “I’m hoping we’ll open up in the fall.”

Crenshaw said with Memorial Day approaching, it’s a great time to reflect on the places, such as the Hagood Mill, that make America great.

He quoted a recent “Tip of the Day” from Bill O’Reilly, who suggested parents separate their children from their electronics and take them to historical sites.

“Take them out and show them where their culture comes from, where their heritage lies, show them this stuff” Crenshaw said. “Our young generation is missing out on a lot of things like that. He made it a tip of the day – I’d like to make it a challenge for the people – take their people out, show them where they’re from.”

Coleman said the museum and the Hagood Mill are on the National Register of Historic Sites, but did not have a marker.

“We’ve always talked about wanting to do it,” Coleman said.

Kelley learned the process of getting a marker on a site was not that difficult when he assisted with procuring such a marker for the Hagood-Mauldin House.

The museum began the process, with Kelley doing much of the legwork, Coleman said.

“We’ve real pleased to have the historic documentation of not only the mill, but also the petroglyph as well, because that makes it even more of a precious site in the rounder world,” he said. “It’s not just the corn mill, it’s also Native Americans, early settlers and everything in between.”

Coleman said of everyone who was thanked regarding the new marker and the Hagood Mill, one deserves special recognition  - Hagood Mill Site Manager Ed Bolt.

“One of the most important people in the development of this site over the last 16 years has been Ed Bolt,” Coleman said. “He is a good human being. He’s a hard worker and he’s a visionary. He’s had a lot to do with this. Everyone should give him a big pat on the back.”