Site of the Ring Fight

The Tamassee area of Oconee County is also closely associated with General Andrew Pickens and the Cherokee campaign of 1776. Follow SC 11 north of Walhalla to Oconee Station Road and turn left on S.37.95. On your right, approximately three miles is Oconee Station State Historic Site, a militia outpost and Indian trading post from the late 18th century. About one mile further was the site of Pickens' last home, the Red House. A small granite marker designates the spot, which affords the visitor a beautiful view of Tamassee Knob and the adjacent valley. Andrew Pickens built his home not far from the site of the Ring Fight, one of the most unusual battles of the Revolution. While leading a scouting party of 25 men in advance of Andrew Williamson's army, Pickens was surrounded by 185 Cherokee Indians. Although outnumbered more than seven to one, the small party defeated the Indians by firing in relays under the direction of Pickens. Tradition also recounts how the Patriots successfully set fire to the canebrake so that the popping of the burning cane would fool the enemy into thinking reinforcements were arriving.