The Pickens County America 250 Committee invites the public to participate in two special events commemorating Carolina Day and South Carolina’s remarkable role in the American Revolution. Both events are free and are open to the public.

The celebration begins on Saturday, June 27 2026, with Carolina Kid’s Day, a family-friendly event designed to introduce children to the Revolutionary era through hands-on activities, crafts, and fun.

Children and families are invited to enjoy simple colonial crafts, coloring activities, and the opportunity to create their own tri-corner hats. Young patriots are encouraged to wear period clothing or patriotic attire if they wish.

Carolina Kid’s Day will be held at all four Pickens County Library locations:  Central Library: 9:00–11:00 a.m, Pickens Library: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Liberty Library: 12:00–1:30 p.m., Easley Library: 2:30–4:30 p.m.             

The event is sponsored by the Pickens County America 250 Committee and the Pickens County Public Library System.

Sunday, June 28, 2026, the community is invited to gather for a special Carolina Day Commemoration honoring the men and women who secured American independence and celebrating the life, faith, and legacy of General Andrew Pickens.

This afternoon of history, remembrance, and fellowship will take place at two of Pickens County’s most treasured historic sites: Old Stone Church and Cemetery and Hopewell Plantation.

The schedule includes:

2:00 p.m. – Revolutionary War Patriot Grave Tour at Old Stone Church Cemetery, presented by the General Andrew Pickens Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.

3:00 p.m. – Special presentation inside Old Stone Church by Dr. Otis W. Pickett titled “The Faith of the Fighting Wizard Owl: Andrew Pickens as a Presbyter, Elder and Churchman.” Dr. Pickett is an ordained Presbyterian elder and a noted scholar of Presbyterianism in South Carolina.

4:15–5:15 p.m. – Hopewell Plantation Open House and Author Reception. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the historic home of General Andrew Pickens and meet two distinguished authors.

Dr. Rod Andrew will be available to sign copies of his acclaimed biography, The Life and Times of General Andrew Pickens. Dr. Otis Pickett will also be present with copies of his book, Southern Shepherds and Savage Wolves.

Children’s author Karen Petit will join the event as well, offering copies of her book, Celebrate America! The People Declare Independence.

Visitors will be welcomed to explore Hopewell Plantation in an open-house setting with members of Clemson University Historic Properties.

For the comfort of attendees, bottled water and air-conditioned seating will be available in the Archaeological Laboratory on the Hopewell property, courtesy of Old Stone Church.

Carolina Day commemorates the American victory at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island on June 28, 1776, one of the earliest and most important victories of the Revolutionary War. The observance serves as a reminder that South Carolina played a critical role in the struggle for independence and that the road to Yorktown truly ran through South Carolina.

The Carolina Day Commemoration is sponsored by Clemson University Historic Properties, the Old Stone Church Cemetery Association, the General Andrew Pickens Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Pickens County America 250 Committee.