Pendleton “the Courthouse town” delights visitors with over 30 historic houses, churches and stores most placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1790 the town became a popular summer destination for rich Charleston plantation owners looking to escape the Lowcountry heat and mosquitoes. Legend has it Pendleton was known as the “little Charleston of the mountains” filled with “beautiful women and chivalrous gentlemen”.

Pendleton Historic walking tour attractions
Farmer’s Society Hall - built around 1826 Greek revival style – downtown on the village green. Pendleton’s centerpiece and the oldest Farmers Hall still in continuous use in the United States. The ground floor housed the U.S. Post Office. The second floor features the meeting hall where Thomas Green Clemson successfully campaigned for the Clemson University establishment.

The Guard House – built around 1860 on the former town jail – on the village green opposite Farmer’s Hall. Second story was added in 1911 and server as the town library then the police headquarters. Currently is home to the magistrate’s office.

Hunter’s Store – built in 1850 – East Queen Street and Hwy 28. Most popular mercantile store in the Upstate. Since 1968, it’s home to the Pendleton District Historical, Recreational and Tourism Commission. Open April till October, Mon - Fri 9 AM – 4:30 PM and Sat 10 AM – 3 PM.

Hunter’s Store Warehouse – built in 1880 – next to Hunter’s Store. The only survivor outbuilding used by the Hunter’s Store. Famous for its “captain’s walk” that captures the Blue Ridge Mountains panoramic views.

Sitton House - built in 1859 - the corner of East Main Street and Hwy 28.The 1st brick residence in Pendleton it retains most of it original appearances. For many years used to house the Post Office.

Vine Hill – built 1830 - East Main Street and Elm Street. Named after its owner who discovered 14 types of unrestrained vines in the garden. Legend has it Pendleton was spared the wrath and flames of the Union soldiers because of the friendship between General Sherman and Lt. Edmund Shubrick’s (the house owner during Civil War)

Notable attractions around Pendleton - listed on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the SC National Heritage Corridor

1. Old Stone Church – Built 1789 on Hwy 76 between Pendleton and Clemson. Famous people buried here: Patriot Andrew Pickens, printer John Miller who started the first newspaper in the Upstate, Gen. Robert Anderson and John Rusk who built the church and fathered Thomas Jefferson Rusk one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

2. Ashtabula (“fish river”) – Built 1825 - 2725 Old Greenville Hwy (SC Hwy 88). Upcountry’s first licensed tavern and first site of Hereford and Jersey cattle introduced into SC. Occupied by Gibbes, Broyles, Latta, Bowen and Pelzer families. Currently is a house museum operated by the Pendleton Historic Foundation.

3. Woodburn House – Built 1830 – 130 History Lane, Pendleton, SC 29670. A large 4 story mansion built as a summer residence for Charles Pinckney of Charleston. The farm is birthplace of Jane Edna Hunter, a nationally recognized African-American activist who founded the Phyllis Wheatley Society. Features a 2-room cabin, Victorian Carriage house replicas and a 1810 log cook-house.

2008 Open hours, reenactments schedule and admission
Ashtabula Historic House: April – October: Mon - Fri 11 AM - 4 PM, Sat & Sun 1 PM - 5 PM. November 28, 29, 30 1 PM - 4 PM. Candlelight tours on December 5-6-7: Fri & Sat 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM and Sun 2 PM-4:30 PM. Christmas reenactments: December 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28: 1 PM - 4 PM.

Woodburn Historic House: April – October, Mon - Thu 1 PM - 4 PM, Sun 2 PM - 6 PM.

Admission to either house: Adults $6, children (ages 5-10) $2. School tours: students $2, adult chaperons, $5. Beware credit cards are not accepted. The houses may be toured year-round by appointment for minimum $24 fee and 24 hours notice. Call (864)-646-7249 or email: tours@pendletonhistoricfoundation.org.

Driving Directions (from I-85):
Ashtabula: From I-85, Exit 19B onto US76 N (towards Pendleton) and continue ~8 miles. Turn right onto Business SC 28 (Mechanic Street), towards downtown Pendleton. There is a green roadside sign directing travelers to Ashtabula. Turn right onto E. Queen St. (SC 88, turns into Old Greenville Hwy) and drive ~3 miles. The gate to Ashtabula is on the left.

Woodburn: From I-85, Exit 19B onto US76 N (towards Pendleton) and drive ~9 miles. Pass intersection with Business SC 28 and look on the right Woodburn roadsign. Turn left at traffic light onto Woodburn Rd. (TriCounty Technical College is on the right). Turn right onto History Lane and drive all the way to the end.

While in the area stop by the SC Botanical Garden to see the country’s unique collection of nature based sculptures, exotic ornamental plants, the Hanover House, an old log cabin, and a red caboose.

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