Every November, Hagood Mill Historic Site proudly honors Native American Heritage Month with one of its most meaningful and well-loved traditions: the Native American Celebration, also known as Selugadu—a Cherokee word for “cornbread” (Selu = corn, Gadu = bread). This cherished harvest gathering celebrates gratitude, community, and the enduring legacy of the first peoples of this land.

Corn has been at the center of Native American life for centuries, with more than 250 varieties cultivated across the Americas. This sacred crop sustained generations of Indigenous peoples and became a cornerstone of Southern Appalachian culture.

A Weekend of Tradition and Discovery

On Friday and Saturday, November 14–15, 2025, visitors are invited to experience two full days of drumming, dancing, flute music, storytelling, cultural demonstrations, and hands-on educational activities honoring Native traditions and artistry.

Featured performers and demonstrators include:

• Nancy Basket – acclaimed storyteller and basket maker (Walhalla, SC)
• Catawba Nation Drums
• Keepers of the Word
• Paul Snowcloud – Native American flute artist
• Michael Hartje – flint knapping demonstrator
• Sonny Ledford – Cultural Ambassador, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• …and many more!

Guests will also enjoy the operation of the 1845 Hagood Grist Mill, artisan vendors, and food trucks offering regional favorites and handmade goods.

Explore “Our Native Roots: An Interpretive Trail”

Visitors are encouraged to walk Our Native Roots: An Interpretive Trail, which follows an ancient trading path once used by Native Americans traveling from the Mississippi coast through the Appalachian foothills.

Trail highlights include:

• Dugout canoe demonstration
• River cane restoration area
• Sacred fire circle and medicine wheel garden
• Corn garden and prehistoric stone mortar
• Archaeology activities for kids
• Paul West artifact collection
• Hagood Mill petroglyphs, carved thousands of years ago

Friday Evening Program: “Intro to Cherokee Language”

The celebration begins Friday evening, November 14, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., with a free public program at the Heritage Pavilion—“Intro to Cherokee Language,” led by Sonny Ledford, Cultural Ambassador for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Guests will have the rare opportunity to learn directly from a respected Cherokee cultural educator in an engaging and interactive session.

Admission & Camping

• Friday Admission: Free and open to the public
• Saturday Admission: $5 per person (ages 10 and up)
• Camping: $10 per person (ages 10 and up) for one night or $15 per person for two nights

Primitive camping is available across from the historic site near the Heritage Pavilion and disc golf course. Please note that generators are not permitted during special events.

Special Thanks

Hagood Mill Historic Site extends heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors and partners:

Title Sponsor: Jan-Pro of the Western Carolinas

Supporting Partner: Friends of the Mill

This event is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts; by SC Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities; and by Pickens County Accommodations Tax.

Learn More ==> https://visithagoodmill.com/nativeamerican

Located in the heart of Pickens, South Carolina, Hagood Mill Historic Site is a treasured destination dedicated to preserving and celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage. Established in 1845, the site features a historic gristmill, cultural exhibits, and a vibrant calendar of events showcasing traditional arts, music, and history.

Home to the South Carolina Rock Art Center, Hagood Mill serves as a hub for education, discovery, and preservation of Native American rock art and other significant cultural artifacts. Through its programs and initiatives, the site fosters a deep connection to the past while inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect South Carolina’s unique history.