Pee Dee Research and Education Center
LOCATION
Website: Pee Dee Research and Education Center
Total acreage: Approximately 2,300
Land acquired by Clemson: 1971 from the Dargan and Pierce families
Contact for gravesite information: Brian Gandy, director, Darlington County Historical Society and Museum.
Site Contact for Pee Dee REC: Dr. Matt Smith, Director (mcs5@clemson.edu)
Graves at this location
Estimated number of graves: 20+
Identified grave sites: 1 Confirmed, 2 other sites possible
One cemetery is confirmed, and two other possible sites are identified at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center. The Old Dargan/Pleasant Grove cemetery has an unknown number of total graves, two headstones, 20+ metal funeral home markers which date from about 1900 to 1950 and many more unmarked depressions. Of the possible sites, one is potentially the location of a family cemetery of a Revolutionary War officer the description of which matches the historical description of the location of his burial, the second is where there is verbal history of headstones previously existing, but GPR work on the site did not confirm any graves.
For more information on graves at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center, contact Brian Gandy at the Darlington County Historical Society and Museum by email at bgandy@darcosc.net , or call him at (843) 398-4710.
For inquiries about this gravesite location or any of the other statewide gravesite locations on Clemson University property, please email cugravesites@clemson.edu.
ACCESS
Clemson University understands and appreciates the sacred nature of the cemeteries located on its Research and Education Centers. However, in the interest of visitor and employee safety, we request that all visitors contact the respective historical society or REC directors in advance to make an appointment. We are happy to accommodate visits on weekdays during normal working hours.
Gravesites
"Old Dargan/Pleasant Grove"
Estimated graves: Unknown
Estimated age of graves: 1900 to 1950 (marked), unmarked depressions possibly older
Headstones: 2 | Unmarked: 20+ metal funeral home markers
Description: This African-American gravesite is in a forested area of mature pines and hardwoods. The graves are visible as depressions in ground, some marked, two with headstones, 20+ with metal funeral home markers, some of which remain legible. Aerial drone LiDAR was completed March 1, 2022, and clearing work on the core of the area was completed April 11, 2022.
"W. Standard"
Estimated graves: Unknown
Estimated age of graves: Unknown
Headstones: 0
Description: This is the possible site of family cemetery of a Revolutionary War officer whose family previously owned the property based on historical descriptions that fit the possible location. There are some rock piles and areas which appear to possibly be arranged field stones.
"Pitner Center Grassed area"
Estimated graves: Unknown
Estimated age of graves: Unknown
Headstones: 0
Description: Some depressions in the ground and there is verbal history of headstones previously existing. Fragments have been found in the area, but GPR work found no evidence of actual graves at the site.
