A Brief History - Beneath Lake Keowee lies memories of the once fertile and prosperous Keowee Valley. The Valley was lush with abundant wildlife and feed by the mighty Keowee River. However, this valley was also home to over 400 Cherokee Indians at there capital, Keowee Village, on the banks of the Keowee River. It was once noted that in 1721 that 450 Cherokees lived at the village consisting of 168 men, 155 women and 127 children. The centerpiece of the village was a council house where social events and meetings took place. The council house was a doomed type structure held up by large timbers. This and other structures were usually located on higher ground since near the river there were always chances of it flooding. The residences houses were normally located further away from the council house. These residences were built of a series of upright posts, clay and thatch. Normally, only one family would live in a home. In 1753 the South Carolina governor, James Glen, began the construction of Fort Prince George to protect the Cherokees from the French. It was believed the Cherokee would be a valuable to trade with so the Governor wanted to protect the interest of South Carolina. Because of this deep and interesting history extensive archaeological excavations were done at the site of Keowee Village and Fort Prince George in the 18 months prior to flooding the Keowee Valley. It was discovered the fort included numerous buildings, a palisade, earthen walls and a dried out mote. The entire fort was excavated except for the mote area which only had some sampling. During the excavations three skeletons were found that were thought to be Native Americans.

Local Information - Located in the “Golden Corner?of the Upstate, our residents on Lake Keowee live in an area unparalleled to any other. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with over 400,000 acres of undisturbed forests, and 350 miles of shoreline you will be hard pressed to find any other like this any where else. With only about ?of the lake developed, the natural beauty of the lake emerges. Leisure activities are seemingly endless at Lake Keowee. Swimming, fishing, boating, camping, kayaking and hiking just a few of the activities you may enjoy. At the near by Chattooga river, white water rafting is just a few miles away. For the sports advocate in your life there is Clemson University, only 7 miles away with its NCAA sporting events. Lake Keowee is known for being one of the cleanest and safest lakes in South Carolina, so you and your family can enjoy the water without the worry.

Once you arrive you will know that this is the place for you the toughest part will be deciding which community to call home. There is something for every taste, and price point. Begin today enjoying this gift we call life.

Also you can find out more about Lake Keowee and what the area has to offer at www.sceniclakeviews.com  and www.keowee.net