Clemson Experimental Forest Graves
LOCATION
Website: Clemson Experimental Forest
Total acreage: Approximately 17,500
Land acquired by Clemson: 1954
Contact for information: Russell Hardee, Forest Manager, Clemson Experimental Forest (rhardee@clemson.edu).
Graves at this location
Estimated number of graves: Approximately 255+
Identified grave sites: 4 sites comprised of approximately 3+/- acres
The graves identified at the Clemson Experimental Forest (CEF) are in four locations populated with a mix of hardwoods and pines. The graves appear to date from about 150 years old to more than 200 years old.
While headstones mark some of the graves, others appear as depressions in the ground. Ground-penetrating radar and aerial drone LiDAR conducted in 2021 and 2022 identified 255 possible graves.
The CEF is comprised of 17,500 acres in Oconee, Pickens and Anderson Counties in the upper Piedmont of South Carolina. The present land base represents a portion of the 27,400 acres acquired by the federal government during land reclamation of the 1930s with transfer of ownership to Clemson in 1954.
For more information on the Clemson Experimental Forest, contact Russell Hardee, Forest Manager, (rhardee@clemson.edu).
For inquiries about this gravesite location or any of the other statewide gravesite locations on Clemson University property, please email cugravesites@clemson.edu.
Visitation
Clemson University understands and appreciates the sacred nature of the cemeteries located on the Clemson Experimental Forest and the property is managed as a working forest used for teaching, research, and extension education for natural resource management. The forest is a public access site with many different recreation visitation opportunities. In the interest of visitor and employee safety, we request that all visitors reference the Clemson Experimental Forest Recreation Opportunities Webpage prior to planning a visit.
Access
The Clemson University Experimental Forest is managed as a multi-use public access property. Please review and be aware of the Regulations for Public Use of the Clemson University Experimental Forest prior to accessing the site.
Gravesites
Lt. William F. Grant Site
Estimated graves: 8
Estimated age of graves: 170+ years
Headstones: 1 | Unmarked: 7
Description: There is one DAR monument with stone wall surrounding a single grave. There are depressions surrounding this marker and some visible, scattered field stones.
Search through memorials in the Lt. William F. Grant Cemetery site on the Find a Grave website.
Lt. Benjamin Lawrence Site
Estimated graves: 108
Estimated age of graves: About 200 years
Headstones: 1 | Unmarked: 107
Description: Approximately 108 graves estimated to range from 150-200 years old are in this secluded area of mature hardwood and timber on a hilltop or ridge overlooking the Keowee River of Lake Hartwell.
Search through memorials in the Lt. Benjamin Lawrence Cemetery site on the Find a Grave website.
John Ewing Colhoun Family Cemetery Site
Estimated graves: 79
Estimated age of graves: About 200 years
Headstones: 9 | Unmarked: 70
Description: Most graves within a stone wall are marked with headstones or other type of engraved marker, however GPR work has identified several unmarked graves. Depressions in the earth, some with field stones, designate other graves outside the stone wall. Mature hardwoods and pines dot the site, which is maintained by Clemson staff as well as local volunteers and scout groups.
Search through memorials in the John Ewing Colhoun Family Cemetery site on the Find a Grave website.
Lawrence Family Cemetery Site
Estimated graves: 60
Estimated age of graves: 150+ years
Headstones: 3 | Unmarked: 57
Description: There are three well-marked graves at this site, as well as one family monument listing the names of those buried nearby. In addition, there are several depressions in the earth with field stones nearby. Four granite corner markers define the perimeter of the cemetery populated with a mix of mature hardwoods and pine trees. The cemetery is maintained by Clemson staff as well as local volunteers and scout groups.
Search through memorials in the Lawrence Family Cemetery site on the Find a Grave website.
