Cherokee Native Americans first inhabited the lands now known as Oconee County. Ultimately, the Cherokee relinquished control of the region to the United States via 1777 and 1816 treaties. However, the county chose to honor its Cherokee roots through the name Oconee, which is Cherokee for “land by the water.”
Settlement of the region began after the Revolutionary War, and most settlers came from other parts of South Carolina. Oconee County was eventually founded in 1868 with lands previously belonging to Pickens District.
The county’s economy depended on agriculture until after the Civil War. Soon after Reconstruction, an increase in the amount of railroads going through the county led to the growth of the textile industry. In recent decades, industry has continued to grow due to the creation of I-85, which connects Oconee County to Charlotte and Atlanta. The county’s economy is most dependent on manufacturing. However, the completion of the Hartwell Dam and Lake project in 1962 led to the growth of one of the county’s central economic focuses: tourism.
The outdoor recreation offered in Oconee County draws a large number of tourists every year. More than 100 waterfalls, in addition to rivers and lakes, exist in the county. Additionally, Oconee County is home to Jocasee Gorges, which is “one of only two rainforests in North America.” Visitors can camp, white-water raft, and fish among other outdoor activities.
Oconee County lies in the Northeast portion of the Upstate, below the Blue Ridge Mountains. Walhalla serves as its county seat.
About Us. Accessed June 10, 2016. http://scmountainlakes.com/about-us/
Oconee County Industrial Base. Accessed June 10, 2016. http://investoconeesc.com/business-industry/industry/oconee-county-industrial-base/
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At this next stop, Rudy and Jim find Canada Violets, White Trillium, Blue Cohosh, and a Green Frog can be seen close-by near the stream. Other plants which dominate the area are Yellow Buckeye trees...
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The increased amount of rain makes for a much more diversified forest when it comes to the tall trees in the area. Here we see the Tulip Tree, and the Understory Tree. Along the way Rudy and Jim come...
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Some of the trees found in the area also have blossoms. The redbud is one example. On a nearby hickory tree, Rudy and Jim come across a woodpecker called a yellow bellied sap-sucker, which has come to...
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In the same stop, Rudy and Jim find a species of reptile called the Green Anole lizard, and they describe the differences between a salamander and a lizard. Illustrating more of the forest’s diversity...
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When pieces of trees fall to the ground, nature has a way to recycle that debris. A species of mushroom known as the False Turkey Tail helps break down the rotting wood, adding nutrients to soil in...
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Cove forests are very popular with visitors, due to the rich bottom soil found here. One animal which does very well in these areas is the beaver. Its work can be seen here with its telltale signs of...
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The cove got its shape from streams of water periodically carving out the rock. Witch Hazel and Rhododendrons are species of plants which benefit from the moisture of nearby streams.
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Wood carver from Seneca, SC (Oconee County). He carves figurines out of wood including flowers, squirrels, and roosters. His wife, Frances, assists him with painting and arranging the carved flowers...
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Wood carver from Seneca, SC (Oconee County). He carves figurines out of wood including flowers, squirrels, and roosters. His wife, Frances, assists him with painting and arranging the carved flowers...
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Wood carver from Seneca, SC (Oconee County). He carves figurines out of wood including flowers, squirrels, and roosters. His wife, Frances, assists him with painting and arranging the carved flowers...
