Liberty tree planted at Pickens County courthouse

PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A liberty tree sapling now stands in front of the Pickens County courthouse, bringing a piece of American Revolutionary history to the Upstate.

During the American Revolution, liberty trees served as gathering places for the Sons of Liberty, where colonists met to discuss taxes and make collective decisions about their fight for freedom.

“The original liberty tree in Boston was out in a busy thoroughfare so when things like the taxes were noticed, they would meet there and argue about paying stamp tax or whatever tax they were going to be,” said Carolyn Nations with South Carolina 250. “Same things in Charleston. However the Charleston was in a cow pasture so it wasn’t in a busy thoroughfare but it still had the sons of liberty that gathered there.”

Organizers with South Carolina 250 and the Pickens County Historical Society chose the courthouse location intentionally.

“We wanted to do that here where liberty lives,” Nations said. “We are encouraging people to take in the liberty vibe and grow it here in Pickens County.”

Nations said the location allows passersby to hear about carrying liberty forward and remembering those who died for freedom.

Ron Masters with the Pickens County Historical Society said the tree provides an opportunity to teach local history.

“I think it’s important Pickens County people remember who they are and know their history,” Masters said. “So many times the kids grow up too fast. I think it’s time like this that we can slow down a bit and teach them about the memorial trees and the history of Pickens County.”

Pickens County is named after South Carolina militia leader Andrew Pickens. A tree was also planted in his honor.

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