Pendleton District, South Carolina facts for kids
The Pendleton District was an important area in South Carolina a long time ago. It was named after a judge named Henry Pendleton. This area acted like a county or district for many years, from March 7, 1789, to December 20, 1826.
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What Was the Pendleton District?
The Pendleton District was a special area in South Carolina that handled legal matters. Think of it like a county today, but with a different name and role back then. It was a place where courts were held and local government decisions were made.
How South Carolina Was Organized
In the early days, South Carolina was set up in different ways.
- Near the coast, land was divided into "parishes." These were like church areas.
- There were also "counties" that helped with laws and elections.
- As more people moved inland, new judicial districts and counties were formed.
- After the Revolutionary War, this system kept growing.
- Around 1800, all counties were renamed as districts.
- Later, in 1868, these districts became counties again, just like we know them today.
- You can find old maps at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History. These maps show how the boundaries changed over time, starting from 1682.
The Birth of Pendleton County
Pendleton County was officially created on March 7, 1789. This land used to belong to Native American tribes. It included areas that are now Anderson and Pickens counties. Most of Oconee County was also part of it. However, about 70 square miles (181 square kilometers) along the Chattooga River was not included. This specific land belonged to the Cherokee and Creek tribes. Pendleton County was first connected to Abbeville for some legal purposes.
How Pendleton District Changed Over Time
The boundaries and names of the district changed a few times:
- On February 19, 1791, Pendleton County became part of a new, larger area. This new area was called the Washington District. It also included most of Greenville County.
- On January 1, 1800, the Washington District was closed down. At this time, Pendleton County and Greenville County were both renamed as "districts." So, Pendleton County became Pendleton District.
- On December 19, 1816, Pendleton District gained the Native American lands along the Chattooga River. This made the district a bit larger.
- Finally, on December 20, 1826, the Pendleton District was officially ended. In its place, two new districts were created: Anderson District and Pickens District. Pickens District included what are now Pickens and Oconee counties.
The Pendleton Courthouse
The main building for the Pendleton District was its courthouse and jail. These were located in the town of Pendleton, South Carolina. When the district was dissolved, a new courthouse was being built. This building was later finished by a group called the Pendleton Farmers' Society. It is still standing today in Pendleton Square. This historic building is now part of the Pendleton Historic District.
