About This Park - Oconee Station State Historic Site

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Oconee Station State Historic Site

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In the late 18th and early 19th century, a small plot of land along South Carolina’s western frontier served as a military compound against attack from the Cherokees and later a trading post.

Today, that plot of land is Oconee Station State Historic Site.

The park just off S.C. 11 (Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway) contains two structures: Oconee Station, a stone blockhouse used as an outpost by the U.S. military from about 1792 to 1799, and the William Richards House, named for the Irish immigrant who built it as a trading post in 1805.

Beyond the park’s historic significance, there’s a fishing pond and 1.5-mile nature trail, the latter connecting to a half-mile trail that leads into Sumter National Forest and ends at Station Cove Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that’s considered one of the prettiest in the state.

Walk the trails during the spring wildflower show or as the leaves turn in the fall for a particularly visual treat.

GENERAL

Designation: National Register
Counties: Oconee
Acreage: 210
When & How PRT Acquired: Purchased in 1976 from Edward H. Fearney
Pets: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.
Tour and Programs Information: The Station House and Richards House are open for tours on Saturday & Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment.

Oconee Station is a "DiscoverCarolina Site", which provides curriculum-based social studies programs for South Carolina school children.
Significant Natural Features: Gateway to Station Cove Falls in Sumter National Forest.

HOURS

Admissions: Free admission
Office Hours: 11 am- noon
Days and Hours of Operation: Park open: 9am-6pm, daily Historic structures are open from 1pm - 5pm Sa-Su with guided tours available.

LOCATION

Driving Directions:
From I-85 Northbound: Take exit 1 at the GA/SC state line onto Hwy 11. Drive for 26 mi, turn left onto Oconee Station Rd. Drive for 2 mi. and look for park entrance.

From I-85 Southbound: Take exit 19B onto Hwy 28 toward Clemson. Drive 26 mi .Take the SC ramp toward Tamassee/Salem. Merge onto SC 11 and drive 6 mi. Turn left onto Oconee Station R.. Drive for 2 mi and look for park entrance.
Miles to Nearest Hospital: 14
Miles to Nearest Town: 10