Andrew Pickens

Overview

Andrew Pickens, born in Pennsylvania in 1739, became a prominent South Carolina militia general during the American Revolutionary War. He fought in early frontier conflicts and played key roles at battles such as Ninety Six, Kettle Creek, and Cowpens. Known for his leadership in guerrilla warfare with Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter, Pickens also served in the state and national legislatures after the war. His military and political service helped shape South Carolina’s early history and relations with Indian nations on the western frontier.

Personal Facts

• Born: September 13, 1739, in Paxton Township, Pennsylvania.
• Parents: Andrew Pickens Sr (father) and Nancy Davis (mother).
• Spouse: Rebecca Calhoun (1765).
• Died: August 11, 1817, at Tamassee, South Carolina. 77 years old.
• Buried: Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson, South Carolina.
• Significance: Andrew Pickens is important to American History because of his military service during the American Revolutionary War and political service during the Early Republic and Federalist Era.
• Nickname: Skyagunsta, meaning “wizard owl.”

Biography

Early Life and Settlement in South Carolina

• Andrew Pickens Jr. was born in Paxton Township, Pennsylvania, north of Philadelphia, on September 13, 1739.
• His parents were Andrew Pickens Sr. and Nancy Davis.
• He had two brothers, Joseph and John.
• The family moved south on the Great Wagon Road into the Shenandoah Valley with other Scotch-Irish settlers.
• They lived in Augusta County, Virginia, and then moved to Waxhaw, South Carolina, near present-day Lancaster, South Carolina, around 1752.
• Pickens received very little education in his youth.
• His father was a local magistrate and helped organize the Waxhaw Presbyterian Church, the first church established in the South Carolina Upcountry.

French and Indian War

When the French and Indian War (1754–1763) started, the elder Pickens organized a militia unit, of which Andrew was a member. His father’s death in 1756 made him and his brothers, Joseph and John, responsible for the family farm. They farmed, raised cattle, and traded with the local Indians.

Anglo-Cherokee War

During the French and Indian War, Cherokee warriors from South Carolina traveled north and participated in the Forbes Expedition, which ultimately led to the capture of Fort Duquesne from the French. Afterward, the warriors made their way back to South Carolina. 

• The Cherokees, upset over how they had been treated by the British and Americans during the expedition, responded by stealing horses and food from settlers.
• This led to the Anglo-Cherokee War (1758–1761) as the Cherokee Nation clashed with British and provincial troops from South Carolina and Virginia.

As hostilities escalated, settlers fled to safety from Cherokee attacks. In 1760, the Calhoun family, led by Patrick Calhoun, fled toward Fort Moore, near Augusta, Georgia. They were attacked by Cherokees on February 1, in what is known as the “Long Cane Massacre.”

• 23 settlers were killed, including Catherine Montgomery Calhoun, Patrick’s mother.
• The survivors, including Patrick and 15-year-old Rebecca Calhoun, his niece, made their way to Waxhaw.

In 1760 and 1761, Pickens participated in the British expeditions that burned Cherokee towns and fields, forcing them to surrender.

• While Pickens was away in 1761, his mother died.
• His brothers had married and settled down.
• The Calhoun family, including Rebecca, had moved to the Long Cane Region.

AHC Notes

• According to some sources, Pickens and Rebecca Calhoun had already met each other before the Long Cane Massacre. They became reacquainted at Waxhaw.
• In 1782, Patrick Calhoun’s wife, Martha, gave birth to their son, John C. Calhoun, who would go on to serve as U.S. Secretary of War (1817–1825, Vice President of the United States (1825–1832), and U.S. Secretary of State (1844–1845).

American Revolution

Sometime between 1763 and 1763, Pickens sold his land at Waxhaw and moved to the Long Cane Region.

• He purchased land along Long Cane Creek in South Carolina and established a plantation that he called “Hopewell.”
• Pickens married Rebecca Calhoun on March 19, 1765.
• That same year, he participated in protests against the Stamp Act.
• At the start of the American Revolution, Pickens was a farmer and served as a Justice of the Peace.
• He did not participate in South Carolina’s Regulator Movement, although he did support the enforcement of the law and expansion of courts.

AHC Notes

• South Carolina Regulator Movement (1767–1769) — After the Anglo-Cherokee War, settlers in South Carolina’s Backcountry faced widespread lawlessness from roaming bandits. With little government presence and no established law enforcement, residents formed a vigilante group called the “Regulators” to maintain order. They demanded courts, jails, and fair representation, leading to new judicial reforms. Though internal violence erupted, a truce in 1769 restored peace and resulted in four new judicial districts in the Backcountry.

American Revolutionary War Begins

Following the Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775), Pickens helped Henry Laurens organize Patriots in the Backcountry. The Long Canes Region organized three militia units, and Pickens led one of them as a Captain.

• Pickens was at the Battle of Ninety-Six (November 19–21, 1775), but was not involved in any fighting.
• His first action of the war came in the defense of Fort Charlotte on November 18, 1775, when Loyalist forces carried out an unsuccessful attack.
• Pickens participated in the Snow Campaign (November–December 1775) as part of Colonel Richard Richardson’s Patriot force.

Skyagunsta and the Cherokee War of 1776

In the summer of 1776, Cherokee warriors attacked settlements along the frontier of South Carolina and Georgia. Pickens and Andrew Williamson organized militia forces and went to engage the Cherokees. This campaign is known as the Second Cherokee War and the Cherokee War of 1776.

• August 1 — At the Battle of Esseneca Ford, Williamson was ambushed by a combined force of Loyalists and Indians. Pickens arrived in time to provide support and helped turn the tide of the battle in favor of the Patriot forces.
• August 10 — Pickens and his men defeated Cherokee forces along the Tugaloo River. Pickens proceeded to burn the Indians’ towns of Tugaloo and Estatoe.
• August 12 — Pickens and a small force of 25 men were ambushed by Cherokees. Pickens had his men form into two circles to defend themselves. They were able to hold their positions until Joseph Pickens arrived with reinforcements and drove the Cherokees away. Impressed with the tactics used in this “Ring Fight,” the Cherokees started calling Pickens “Skygunsta,” meaning “wizard owl.”

This conflict ended on May 20, 1777, when the Cherokee Nation agreed to the Treaty of DeWitt’s Corner with officials from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.

East Florida

• Congress sought to capture British East Florida.
• Attempts in 1776 and 1777 failed, and a third expedition was assembled in 1778.
• General Robert Howe led the expedition, which included South Carolina Militia forces led by Pickens and Andrew Williamson.
• The campaign collapsed after American forces were defeated at the Battle of Alligator Creek Bridge (June 30, 1778).

Kettle Creek

After abandoning Philadelphia in 1778, British officials decided to invade Georgia and slowly retake control of the Southern Colonies. 

On December 29, 1778, British forces captured Savannah, Georgia, and then proceeded to capture Augusta, Georgia, on January 29, 1799. Soon after, Colonel John Boyd started gathering Loyalist forces and marched to Augusta to join with the army that was being assembled there by General Augustine Prevost. Pickens and other militia leaders moved to block Boyd from reaching Augusta.

• Pickens took command of militia forces on the west bank of the Savannah River, across from Savannah. Pickens had militia from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
• Pickens marched downriver to Carr’s Fort, a Loyalist outpost, and started a siege. 

Meanwhile, Boyd was marching to the Savannah River and intended to cross at Cherokee Ford. Pickens lifted the siege at Carr’s Fort and went to block Boyd from crossing. However, Boyd decided to change direction and marched five miles north to Vann’s Creek.

• While Pickens was marching to Vann’s Creek, Patriot forces gathered there, including Captain Joseph Pickens.
• Boyd and his men crossed the river at multiple locations, which took the Patrios by surprise.
• The Americans were routed and fled, while Boyd continued to march toward Augusta.

The growing number of Patriot militiamen in the area led the British to abandon Augusta and go to Savannah.

• Boyd crossed into Georgia and camped beside Kettle Creek.
• Pickens’ path was taking him directly to the camp.

On the morning of February 14, 1779, Boyd and his men broke camp and resumed their march to Augusta. By this time, Pickens and his men had arrived and were watching the Loyalists.

• The Loyalists stopped to butcher some cattle.
• Pickens organized his men into three columns, and they attacked.
• The Loyalists held the upper hand in the Battle of Kettle Creek until Boyd was mortally wounded.
• When he fell, the Loyalists scattered. Some went to Wrightsboro, while others escaped to Augusta.

The Patriots found Boyd, wounded. He was conscious and suffering when the Patriots found him. According to some accounts, Boyd gave Pickens a letter and some personal belongings and asked him to make sure they were sent to his wife. Pickens agreed, and Boyd died later that evening

Second Cherokee Campaign

• In 1779, the Cherokee Nation resumed hostilities.
• In late August 1779, Pickens led a short campaign lasting less than three weeks.
• His forces killed about 40 Cherokees, burned 13 towns, and captured many prisoners.

Parole and Return to Action

After American forces were defeated at the Siege of Charleston (April 1–May 12, 1780) and surrendered, the British took control of South Carolina. Pickens surrendered a fort in the Ninety-Six District and went home under parole with 300 men.

• Captain James Dunlap and his Loyalists raided his plantation, and Pickens declared his parole invalid.
• He returned to the field and resumed fighting for the Patriot Cause.
• Pickens became one of the leading guerrilla commanders in the South.
• He worked alongside Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter in partisan operations against the British.

AHC Notes

• Parole — Pickens and others who were on parole were forced to swear an Oath of Allegiance to King George III, after which they were allowed to return to their homes.
• Guerrilla Warfare — Irregular military tactics, such as hit-and-run attacks.
• Partisan Operations — Civilians who take up arms against an occupying force.

Battle of Cowpens

Under General Daniel Morgan, Pickens commanded the South Carolina Militia during the Battle of Cowpens (January 17, 1781). 

• He led the second line of defense, ordering his men to fire two volleys at close range before retreating through the Continental line. 
• The precise execution of Morgan’s plan helped break the British assault, allowing the Americans to encircle the enemy and secure one of the most decisive American victories of the Revolutionary War.
• Congress awarded him a sword for his actions, which contributed to the American victory.
• South Carolina Governor John Rutledge commissioned him as a Brigadier General.

In April 1781, Pickens organized a regiment of “state regulars,” who were paid according to Sumter’s Law. They helped support General Nathanael Greene and the Southern Army during Greene’s Southern Campaign.

Siege of Augusta

During the Siege of Augusta (May 22–June 6, 1781), Pickens and Colonel Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee defeated Loyalist forces and captured Fort Grierson and Fort Cornwallis. This helped eliminate the last British strongholds in Georgia and gave the Americans control of the Backcountry.

Siege of Ninety-Six

While the Siege of Augusta was going on, General Greene led his army in a siege against British outposts at Ninety-Six, which were led by Lieutenant Colonel John Harris Cruger. 

• When Greene learned that British reinforcements, led by General Francis Rawdon, were headed to Ninety-Six, he ordered Pickens to join Thomas Sumter and Francis Marion and block the advance. 
• Rawdon was able to move past the American forces, which forced Greene to launch unsuccessful attacks on the British defenses at Ninety-Six. 
• With Rawdon approaching Ninety-Six, Greene was forced to abandon the siege.

Battle of Eutaw Springs

General Greene led his army in a surprise attack on British forces near Nelson’s Ferry on the Santee River in the Battle of Eutaw Springs (September 8, 1781).

• Pickens commanded the right flank in the first American line. 
• Leading the South Carolina Militia, he fought alongside Generals Francis Marion and the Marquis de Malmedy during the opening assault on the British line. 
• His men performed well, firing multiple volleys before being forced to withdraw. 
• Pickens was later wounded during the battle.

Cherokee Campaigns of 1782

After recovering from the wounds he received at Eutaw Springs, Pickens returned to the field. In 1782, he led two campaigns against the Cherokee in retaliation for their raids on frontier settlements. During these attacks, his younger brother, John, was captured by Loyalists and then brutally murdered by Cherokee warriors.

• In March and April, Pickens led an expedition that attacked Cherokee towns and Loyalist farms on the frontier.
• In September 1782, Pickens and Colonel Elijah Clarke of Georgia led another expedition into the Ninety-Six District. They destroyed several towns and forced the Cherokee to sign a peace treaty.

Political Career

Following the war, Pickens entered politics, where he worked to help improve the social and government infrastructure in the Backcountry by supporting improvements to the legal system and the construction of schools and churches.

• Starting in 1782, Pickens represented St. Mark’s Parish of Ninety-Six District in the General Assembly. He was a member of the Assembly from 1783 to 1788.
• He was a state Senator from 1790 to 1791.
• He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1793 to 1795.
• Pickens returned to the South Carolina General Assembly from 1796 to 1799, and again from 1812 to 1813.

Indian Negotiator

During the 1780s, Pickens served as a commissioner to the Indian nations and helped negotiate treaties with the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, and Creeks, including the Treaty of Hopewell and the Treaty of Colerain.

• Treaty of Hopewell (1786) — A treaty between the Chickasaw Nation and the United States that set boundaries for Chickasaw territory.
• Coleraine Treaty (1796) — A treaty that established the boundary between the Creek Nation and the United States.

Later Years and Death

• In 1794, Pickens was appointed Major General in the South Carolina Militia.
• He helped Benjamin Hawkins survey the boundaries between the Indian nations and the United States in 1795
• Pickens retired in 1805, intending to live out the remainder of his life on his plantation, “Tamassee.”
• He returned to public life in 1812 to help South Carolina prepare for the War of 1812.
• Andrew Pickens died at his plantation in Tamassee, South Carolina, on August 11, 1817.
• His grave is at the Old Stone Church in Clemson, Georgia, next to that of his wife, Rebecca.

Appendix

Narrative

AHC Note — This narrative of the life of Andrew Pickens is from the Dictionary of American Biography (1943). Please note that minor text corrections have been made and additional spacing has been added to improve readability.

Andrew Pickens was a Revolutionary War soldier born near Paxtang, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Nancy and Andrew Pickens, who, having emigrated from Ireland, drifted south with the Scotch-Irish, sojourned eight miles west of Staunton, Virginia, obtained 800 acres in Anson County, North Carolina, and in 1752 were on Waxhaw Creek, South Carolina. 

Pickens volunteered in James Grant’s expedition in 1761 against the Cherokee under Oconostota. Two years later, he and his brother sold their Waxhaw inheritance and obtained lands on Long Cane Creek in South Carolina. There, he married Rebecca, daughter of Ezekiel Calhoun, who was a brother of John C. Calhoun’s father. 

At the opening of the Revolution, with a wife and four small children, he was a farmer and a justice of the peace. 

As captain of militia in the first fight at Ninety-Six fort in November 1775, he helped to negotiate the treaty with the Loyalists that followed. During the next two years, his services on the frontier led to his promotion, and when Williamson became a Brigadier General, Pickens was promoted to Colonel. 

Pickens defeated Colonel John Boyd at Kettle Creek, which he considered the severest check that Loyalist forces ever received in South Carolina or in Georgia. 

After the capitulation of Charleston in 1780, Pickens surrendered a fort in Ninety-Six District and, with 300 of his men, returned home on parole. However, after his plantation was plundered, he regarded himself as released from his parole, gave notice to that effect, and rejoined the Patriots. 

His part in the victory at Cowpens brought him a sword from Congress and a commission as a Brigadier General from South Carolina. 

In April 1781, he raised a regiment, in which the men were enlisted as state regulars for ten months’ duty and were paid in property seized from Loyalists, which included slaves. Active in the capture of Augusta, he cooperated with the Continentals in General Nathanael Greene’s unsuccessful Siege of Ninety-Six and the inconclusive Battle of Eutaw Springs, in which he was wounded. Afterward, he was occupied mainly with Indian warfare.

His most laborious service was in 1797, when he was engaged in marking treaty boundaries for six months. In 1792, he declined a command in the Western Army. 

Elected to represent Ninety-Six in the Jacksonboro Assembly in 1782, he continued in the legislature until sent to Congress for the session of 1793–1795. 

The South Carolina legislature voted him thanks and a gold medal in 1783 for his services in the Revolution, and later elected him Major General of the South Carolina Militia. 

In 1785, he was chosen by Congress to negotiate with Southern Indian tribes that had been at war with the United States, and, until he declined further service in 1801, he was repeatedly appointed to handle Indian relations. 

For several years, he resided at “Hopewell,” his plantation in Oconee, where he maintained a store. He also conducted business in Charleston under the firm name of Andrew Pickens & Co. 

Later, he settled in Tomassee, in the Pendleton District, where he lived in retirement, except for a brief interval during the War of 1812. 

There he died suddenly and was buried at the Old Stone Church, of which he was an elder and a founder. 

Strict in family devotions and church observances, he was reputed so Presbyterian that he would have suffered martyrdom before he would have sung one of Watts’ hymns. Of medium height, lean and healthy, with strongly marked features, he seldom smiled and never laughed, and conversed so guardedly that “he would first take the words out of his mouth, between his fingers, and examine them before he uttered them.”

• AHC Note — “Watts’ hymns” refers to songs written by Isaac Watts, a Puritan Congregational minister. One of his most well-known hymns is “Joy to the World.”