A bridge over the Twelve Mile River, on Highway 183 just outside Pickens, near the flea markets, was officially dedicated the morning of Saturday, May 9, 2026 in honor of renowned Revolutionary War General Andrew Pickens, Pickens County’s namesake and a commander in the South Carolina militia during the battle for independence. The occasion, part of a series of events recognizing our nation’s 250^th birthday in 2026, was organized by the Pickens County America 250 Committee and the Pickens County Historical Society.

The special ceremony began at 11 a.m. with a welcome by Pickens County America 250 Chair Carolyn Nations, of Easley, who introduced Lieutenant Eric Barnes of the South Carolina State Guard. Barnes, who currently lives in Camden but whose family roots are in Salem, noted that the South Carolina State Guard traces its history to 1670 as part of the militia system. “During World War I,” he said, “when they did away with the militia system, we became the South Carolina Defense Force.” One of his ancestors, he said, preached at Old Stone Church, which is located in Clemson and is where General Andrew Pickens is buried in the church’s cemetery. “I’m very proud and humbled that you asked me to be here,” he said. “So, thank you very much, on behalf of General Lott with the South Carolina State Guard. I’m very humbled to be asked to be here. Thank you very much.”

Nations then introduced Pickens County Historical Society Senior Vice President Wayne Kelley, of Pickens, who noted the presence, at the dedication ceremony, of “our good friend and member of the Pickens County Historical Society and candidate for the South Carolina House of Representatives Clay Counts.”

Nations then spoke about the importance of the ceremony. “Today, we dedicate more than a bridge. We dedicate a connection, a connection between generations, between history and hope, and between the sacrifices of the past and the responsibilities of the present. Andrew Pickens was a man who brought people together in times of uncertainty, who stood firm when liberty was at risk, and who helped lay the foundation for the nation we now call home. As this bridge carries travelers across these waters, may it also carry forward the story of courage, perseverance, and faith. May it remind all who pass this way that liberty is not simply inherited, it is lived.”

South Carolina State Representative Neal Collins, of Easley, then delivered the invocation. “Heavenly Father, we gather with grateful hearts on this day of remembrance and dedication. We thank you for the life and legacy of Andrew Pickens, for his courage, leadership, and faithful service. Bless this bridge, oh, Lord, that it may stand strong, serve safely, and remind all who cross it of the cost of liberty. Guide us to be faithful stewards of the freedom we have in you. In your name we pray. Amen.”

Kelley then spoke about General Andrew Pickens. “I want to welcome everyone here this morning,” he said. “Thank you for coming out to this wonderful event here today. We’re naming this bridge for General Pickens. After all these years, he deserves a lot of recognition that has been overlooked. It’s our duty, our responsibility, to change that now, especially this anniversary year of the United States of America. Andrew Pickens was a leader by conviction, perseverance, and deep faith. He stood not for recognition but for responsibility, not for personal gain but for the greater good. In the South Carolina backcountry, he helped bring unity and strength in uncertain times. His leadership extended beyond the battlefield into community, peace, and nation building. Today, we honor not only what he did but what he represents: steadfast leadership, enduring faith, and a legacy of service.”

Pickens County’s State Senator Rex Rice, of Easley, then officially dedicated the bridge. “Today, it is my job to dedicate this bridge to General Andrew Pickens. He was a patriot, a leader, a statesman, a defender of liberty. As we stand here today and talk about the freedom that he helped secure, he had to sacrifice. He had strength in unity, preservation through commitment. By the authority invested in us, we dedicate this bridge.”

South Carolina State Representative Davey Hiott, of Pickens, thanked Nations, Collins, Kelley, “and others who have taken this upon themselves for the 250^th anniversary of our great state. You folks have really brought it home to Pickens County and have done a great job. Thank y’all very much for doing all you are doing.”  He noted how their efforts have helped make citizens aware about South Carolina’s role and Pickens County’s role in the American Revolution. “So, I simply say ‘thank you’ for what you’re doing. This is another day that we celebrate as we go through this process. This is an outstanding day. I couldn’t think of a better place to put it than across from the jockey lot, because there are so many people that come to this place. In Columbia, when you mention Pickens, a lot of people go, that’s where the jockey lot is, right? There are so many people that will go across this bridge that will never understand without these signs being put up. And maybe a question or two will be asked – who is General Andrew Pickens? So, today, this bridge will stand as a symbol of connection between past and present, between memory and purpose, and between the people of this community and the enduring cause of liberty. May all who pass this way, including those that go to the jockey lot, remember the courage, sacrifice, and faith that made the nation possible.” Hiott concluded by saying, “Let’s just remember that we live in the greatest place in the world, and that’s Pickens County. Thank you for being here. God bless you.”

“Thank you, all of you who came and gave your time today to make this a special day and for your wonderful heartfelt thoughts and comments,” said Nations. “But, let me tell you something. When I was asked to be Pickens County 250 Chair, I said, ‘Only if you’ll let me make Andrew Pickens’ name a household word.’ And that’s what I continue to try and do, to make people love him like I love him. I think I would be great friends with him if he were here. I could stand here all day and talk to you about him, because I portray Rebecca Pickens when we go and do our Remarkable Revolutionary War Women presentation. And I get to talk about him and his family and how wonderful all the things that he did. And the last time I went to a reenactment at Cowpens, I expected, sitting there on that second row, to hear his name quickly, because of his (being a) marvelous military tactician. I did not hear his name the first time. He was never mentioned in that presentation. And they were giving white roses out to family members. They were asking family members to come forward to take a rose to lay at the marker. And what did I do but get up and go. And they said, ‘Oh are you a relative?’ I said, ‘I feel like he’s my relative, but, no, I’m the Pickens County 250 Chair, and I’m here to thank him and recognize him for what he did on this battlefield. It seems everyone else forgot to mention him, and I did not want to go home and leave his name silent.’ Thank you for helping the Pickens County 250 Committee and what we’re doing. We encourage you to come and be part of us and help us continue to tell the wonderful story of General Andrew Pickens. Thank you.”

After the ceremony, Nations noted, “Today is a special day in more ways than one. It’s Senator Rex Rice’s birthday. Let’s sing ‘Happy Birthday.’”

Collins then presented Revolutionary South Carolina feather pens he had brought as keepsakes for anyone who wanted to take one home as a memento for the special occasion and for America’s 250^th birthday, and Nations passed them out.