Pickens County Genealogy
- Formed 1826
- Parent district Pendleton District
- County seat Pickens
- Neighbors Anderson, Greenville, Oconee
In-depth topics
Pickens County was formed in 1826 (Pendleton District). The county seat is Pickens. Neighboring counties include Anderson, Greenville, Oconee.
Use the research panels below for modern starting points—government contacts, census, vital records, cemeteries—and read the legacy narrative for local history notes and older link collections (some updated).
In 1828 Pickens County was formed from the Penleton District. This area had been Cherokee Indian territory prior to the Revolutionary War. The county was named for a Revolutionary War soldier, Brigadier General Andrew Pickens. The courthouse town of Pickens was established on the Keowee River. Oconee County was formed from Pickens in 1868 and too the location of the courthouse. A new courthouse was built within the confines of Pickens county and many residents of old Pickens relocated with their dismantled/reconstructed homes. Textiles have been a prominent product of Pickens County.
Cemeteries
USGS listing of cemeteries in Pickens County
Query Forums
Cities and towns in Pickens County:
Arial
Central
Clemson
Easley
Liberty
Norris
Pickens
Six Mile
News related to Pickens County, SC
History notes
Pickens County's documentary trail follows South Carolina's district-to-county evolution. When searching before county formation, check parent districts and neighboring counties for deeds, estates, and tax lists.
Research starting points
Census
Federal census schedules (and some state/colonial substitutes) are foundational for Pickens County household reconstruction. Start with every decade the family should appear, then correlate with land and probate.
Vital records
South Carolina statewide vital registration is comparatively late. For many Pickens County families you will rely on a mix of county probate, church registers, Bible records, newspapers, and delayed birth certificates—not only a single “vital records office” file.
Cemeteries
Cemetery surveys for Pickens County appear in published books, Find a Grave, USGenWeb archives, and local historical society vertical files. Always note whether a reading is complete or partial.
Courthouse & contacts
Pickens County Courthouse
Pickens, South Carolina
https://www.co.pickens.sc.us/