The Pickens County America 250 Committee extends its heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has participated in, attended, supported, sponsored, or volunteered at Pickens County 250 events.

Our commemorations have brought together residents, families, children, educators, historical organizations, churches, community leaders, veterans, descendants of Patriots, and visitors who share a desire to better understand the people, places, sacrifices, and events that helped create the United States of America.

Every person who attended a program, visited a historic site, listened to a speaker, participated in a ceremony, brought a child to an activity, shared an announcement, displayed a flag, or volunteered behind the scenes helped make these events meaningful.

“Pickens County’s America 250 commemoration belongs to the entire community,” said Carolyn Nations, Chair of the Pickens County America 250 Committee. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has walked with us, supported our programs, and helped us honor the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us. We hope you will remain involved as we continue telling the complete story of American independence.”

On July 4, 1776, representatives of the thirteen colonies declared that they were free and independent states. That date will always be celebrated as the birthday of the United States of America. It marks the moment when our founders announced to the world that the American people intended to govern themselves.

But the Declaration of Independence did not end the Revolutionary War. It did not remove British soldiers from American soil. It did not guarantee that the new nation would survive. It did not immediately bring peace, security, or international recognition.

The Declaration was a promise.

That promise had to be defended through years of hardship, sacrifice, military service, and perseverance. Many of the battles that determined whether America would survive were fought after July 4, 1776, including pivotal engagements throughout South Carolina and the Southern Campaign.

The road from declaration to true independence continued until September 3, 1733, when the Treaty of Paris was signed and Great Britain formally recognized the United States as a free, sovereign, and independent nation.

For that reason, Pickens County America 250, as part of the South Carolina America 250 Committee, will extend our celebration through September 3, 2033, which is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris.  The following are the phases of this celebration as established by the South Carolina America 250 Commission:

     *   The Present Phase (2026): Focused heavily on independence, Carolina Days, and initial uprisings.

     *   The Next Phase (2029–2031): The SC250 Commission is preparing for a second wave of commemorations starting in 2029, which will mark the intense battles fought on South Carolina soil.

   *  The Finale (2033): The celebration will officially conclude by marking the 250th anniversary of the Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the Revolutionary War. 

The coming years will provide opportunities to explore the individuals, communities, military campaigns, historic sites, and defining moments that carried America from its declaration of freedom to the achievement of independence.

Pickens County has an especially important story to tell. The South Carolina backcountry was home to Patriots, militia members, families, churches, farms, and communities whose courage and endurance contributed to the eventual American victory. Their stories remind us that independence was not secured in a single day or through the efforts of a single generation of leaders. It was won through the determination of ordinary people who answered an extraordinary call.

The Pickens County America 250 Committee invites residents of all ages to remain involved by attending future programs, visiting historic places, volunteering, sharing family and community history, and encouraging young people to learn about the ideals and responsibilities passed down to them.

Our work is not finished, and neither is the story.

We hope you will walk with us as we continue telling America’s story—from the Declaration of Independence through the long struggle that secured our freedom—until September 3, 2033.

Together, we will remember the promise, honor the sacrifice, and celebrate the independence that generations of Americans fought to achieve.

About Pickens County America 250

The Pickens County America 250 Committee works to commemorate the people, places, events, and ideals connected to the founding of the United States, with special emphasis on Pickens County, South Carolina, and the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. Through educational programs, ceremonies, historical activities, and community partnerships, the committee seeks to preserve the past, engage the present, and inspire future generations.