Fort. Prince George Model On Display

Until October 6, you have a chance to view a piece of the past and learn how you can help its future.

The Pickens County Historical Society has long wished to recreate and rebuild Fort Prince George in Pickens County. 

Fort Prince George was constructed in the Keowee Valley in 1753. Royal Governor James Glen built the fort following requests by members of the Cherokee Nation, who traded with South Carolina colonists.

The fort, which was named for the Prince of Wales, was occupied for 15 years, and was a key site during the French and Indian War, serving as a staging point for assaults.

Fort Prince George was abandoned in 1768.

In an effort to raise awareness for the project, the Pickens County Historical Society’s Fort Prince George exhibit will be on display at Duke Energy’s World of Energy now through October 6, 2012. 

Marshall Williams, a member of the team leading the actual archaeological dig at the site of the original fort. That site is now covered by the waters of Lake Keowee. 

The Pickens County Historical Society’s goal is to reconstruct Fort Prince George in order to preserve an important part of South Carolina’s history while creating a tourism destination similar to that of Fort Loudoun, located in Monroe County, Tennessee, which hosts more than 200,000 visitors each year. 

For information on how to join the Pickens County Historical Society or donate to this project, please call (864) 878-1322 or email pickenscohistory@gmail.com.

The World of Energy is located off highway 130 near Seneca, SC.

Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday, Noon until 5 p.m.

For more information call 800-777-1004 or visit the center's website at www.duke-energy.com/worldofenergy.