Long Cane Massacre Site

Long Cane Massacre Site is a historic location in McCormick County, South Carolina, marked by a gravestone commemorating 23 settlers who died during a conflict with Cherokee warriors. The one-acre property sits along a stream crossed by a metal footbridge dating to 1945.

In February 1760, Cherokee warriors attacked a group of Scots-Irish settlers heading toward Fort Moore during rising tensions over land claims. This confrontation became part of the broader conflict that eventually led to negotiations between the two sides.

The site holds the burial place of Catherine Calhoun, grandmother of future US Vice President John C. Calhoun. This connection links the memorial to a prominent American family and the broader story of colonial settlement.

The site can be reached by a dirt road branching off from South Carolina Highway 10 and provides straightforward access to the grounds. Visitors should expect an unpaved approach, especially after rain, but no special equipment or preparation is required.

This location served as a turning point in colonial relations, prompting authorities to establish a formal boundary separating settler and Cherokee territories. The resulting agreement created a defined line that would shape regional boundaries for years to come.

Location: McCormick County

GPS coordinates: 33.99470,-82.33970

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:05