This is meant to be a summary of the big happenings that occurred along the Path

This is meant to be a summary of the big happenings that occurred along the Path.

1700. Lawson mentioned the Path when he was traveling up the Santee to North Carolina.
1710. By this time almost 100,000 deer skins were coming down to Charleston, the Path being the main trade route.
1712-13. Carolina troops with Indian allies march to The Congarees on the Path on their way to North Carolina to fight the Tuscaroras.
1715. The Yamasee War almost wiped out the Carolina colony. Carolina militias marched along the Path to defeat the confederation of small tribes. The Indians came down the Path to attack the settlers.
1717. The first mention of the "Charikee Paths" in Carolina government records.
1718-1722. Fort Congaree was built at the major junction of two trails (Paths) across from Columbia, as a result of a treaty with the Cherokees between Cherokee conjurer Charite Hayge and Colonel James Moore.
1730. Surveyor General George Hunter accompanies some traders from Charleston to Echota and surveys the Path, noting distances, stopping places, rivers, towns and latitudes and history. The trip was made without incident.
1749. Governor James Glen travels up the Path to meet with the Cherokee at 96.
1751. One hundred and sixty-two Cherokee went to Charleston to set a new boundary at Long Cane Creek - Abbeville and Greenwood County lines.
1753. Governor Glen travels the Path via Congarees and 96 to Keowee Town (Clemson) to prepare for the building of Fort Prince George.
1755. Glen with 500 soldiers and militia march to Saluda Old Town to meet with 500 Cherokee to sign yet another treaty. (The mural of this treaty is in downtown Saluda).

The "Treaty of Saluda Old Town" was signed July 2, 1755 at the abandoned mound site on the Saluda River, about 10 miles from the present town of Saluda. Governor James Glen and "old Hop" and the "Little Carpenter" were the chief spokesmen. About 500 Carolinians and about 500 Cherokee were there. This mural dates from about 1985 and is painted by muralist Ralph Waldrop on the side of C. B. Forrest and Sons store in Saluda at the courthouse square. (Roy V. is the seated Indian). Photo by Roy V.

1756. Glen with 300 soldiers marched toward Fort Prince George on the way to Tennessee to build Fort Loudoun on the Little Tennessee River, some 10 days march from Keowee/Fort Prince George. The Governor is recalled at 96 back to Charleston.
1760, March. Cherokees attack the fort at 96 and advance on to Brook Fort where they are repulsed.
1760. A major military expedition under Colonel Archibald Montgomery with 1200 soldiers marched from Charleston to relieve Fort Loudoun. The column is ambushed in the mountains north of Keowee. The Army burns a few towns and hastily falls back to Charleston.
1761-62. A new military force is organized under Colonel James Grant. This force of 2500 regulars and provincials actually trains in the Congarees area to fight as a team. They move up the Path into the Nation, not to engage in combat, but to burn towns and crops. The Indians sue for peace.
1769. The Regulators and the followers of Joseph Scoffel march toward each other to fight it out on the Path in the eastern part of Saluda County. it was a matter of law and taxes and no court but Charleston.
1775-1782. The American War for Independence. Americans, both Loyal and Rebel, as well as British move along parts of the Path to fight or for flight.
19th and 20th Centuries. The Path, the Old State Road, the Charleston Road, Old Number Six Road, The Cherokee Trail - by whatever name - much of the Path is still in use, mostly paved, some dirt. In places along the modern road, lying peacefully, sections of the old road bed are quite evident. A ditch is NOT 20-30 feet wide and with banks of from six inches to more than ten feet. History is just sitting there waiting to be enjoyed and appreciated.

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Visitors since 3/25/04

1/10/07