Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

After the Pickens Car Show, we headed out to explore historic Hagood Mill. But it was almost closing time. Pamela, who runs the site, encouraged us to come back on the third Saturday in November for the Hagood Mill Native American Celebration. And so we did!

Sign on a log building for Hagood Mill Mercantile

Welcome to Haygood Mill Mercantile

Welcome to the Native American Celebration 2024

Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

Oldest Mill in America, still in use today!

Old water wheel used to mill grist at Hagood Mill

Water Wheel at the Grist Mill

The grounds of Hagood Mill hold so much rich history. At the heart of it is the Grist Mill itself that was founded in 1845. Hagood Mill is a splendid example of 19th Century ingenuity. This is a place where water and stone come together to make history. The Mill features a 20 foot wooden waterwheel and historic milling equipment that is still in use to grind grain. Hagood Mill has played an integral role in shaping South Carolina’s agricultural heritage.

Petroglyphs at Hagood Mill Historic Site

Log building that house a museum and the Hagood Creek Petroglyphs

Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site

Colorful lights projected onto rocks during the Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

LIght show on the petroglyph rocks at Hagood Mill Historic Site

On the same grounds we were able to explore the Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site. Housed in a specially designed pavilion on the property we were excited to see one of the most significant collections of Native American rock carvings in South Carolina. The petroglyphs were discovered in 2003 by Michael Bramlett, right next to Hagood Creek.

Glass display case filled with native American artifacts at Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

Local Native American Artifacts

Pottery and jewelry that's centuries old on display at Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

Paul West Collection of Native American Art and Artifacts

Kachina dolls and pottery on display at the Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

Centuries old art and artifacts

This is the only site of its kind in South Carolina that’s open to the public. In addition to the petroglyphs there are beautiful ancient artifacts. The carvings and artifacts allow us about their historical and cultural significance. Thankfully these examples of rock art are protected so that future generations will be able to enjoy and understand their significance.

Glimpse into the past

Family group dressed in Colonial attire at the Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

A Family Affair

Half circle stone cutting of scull on red tablecloth at the Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

Stone cutting artistry by the Lamson Family of Stone Cutters

Two half circles of stone cut skeletons at the Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

More cool stone cutting!

There are log homes scattered throughout the Hagood Mill property that give us a glimpse into the past lives of South Carolinians. People dressed in Colonial attire were seen on porches spinning wool into yarn. Indoors was a large loom that turned that yarn into fabric for making clothing and other goods.

Woman in Colonial attire working a spinning wheel to make yarn at the Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

Making yarn the old fashioned way.

Large wood loom making white cloth at Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

Loom that weaves that yarn the ladies made into cloth.

Old spinning wheel and ladder back chair in a log room at the Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

Antique spinning wheel inside a log home at Hagood Mill Historic Site

Antique sewing machine table and spinning wheel in a log room at Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

My grandmother had a table just like that for her Singer Sewing Machine.

Frame for a teepee on the lawn alon with a wood burning oven and trees at Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

Communal Wood Burning Oven at Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

Large stone fireplace for cooking in a log home.

Hearth and Home

Brass oil lamps sit atop an old wood sideboard in a log house.

Old wood sideboard in a log home, but a modern day fire extinguisher. Safety first!

We could see a beautiful stone fireplace in one of the cabins. Sitting atop the mantel we oil lamps that reminded us that people had thriving lives before electricity and modern conveniences. Food was prepared in the fire and life was good.

Third Saturday Events

Lawn and trees with exhibit tents set up for the Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

3rd Saturday in November The Native American Festival

The third Saturday of each month Hagood Mill hosts special events where you can experience history, culture, music and community. Steve and I can personally attest to how wonderful these vibrant gatherings are. We got to enjoy live demonstrations along with folk arts and lively music.

The cabin is jut up ahead. Follow me!

Old bridge over a dry creek at the Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

Hagood Creek Bridge

We were there for the Native American Celebration and it was quite celebratory indeed. People were practicing shooting a bow and arrow as well as learning how to build a campfire. But what we loved the most was watching Lestin Fuller perform his ring dance.

Navaho, Lestin Fuller, from Page AZ doing the ring dance

Lestin is a Navaho from Page, Arizona. He told us that it took him many years to perfect this ancient practice. He started learning as a child and today his performances are mesmerizing!!! It was the highlight of a fabulous and educational day of exploring the Hagood Mill Historic Site.

Native American doing a ring dance on the lawn at Hagood Mill Native American Celebration

Lestin Fuller’s Grand Finale – just spectacular!!!

And if you are planning a trip to western South Carolina in November, you should plan on being in Pickens for the 3rd Saturday in November. For 2025 the Native American Celebration will be November 14 and 15.

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