The area in which Clemson is located was once inhabited by the Cherokee Native Americans; they used the Piedmont region as their hunting and fishing grounds. By the 1740s, pioneers from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia had begun moving into the area and established farms and small frontier villages. In the 1870s, a community developed along the tracks of the Atlanta and Richmond Air-Line Railway, and in 1892 the people named their town Calhoun in honor of resident John C. Calhoun, South Carolina’s leading 19th-century statesman and former Vice President of the United States. His son-in-law, Thomas G. Clemson, later deeded his land to the state in order to found a college. The opening of Clemson Agricultural College in 1893 spurred growth and economic development in the town, and it was officially incorporated as a municipality in 1901. To avoid confusion with other towns sharing the name “Calhoun,” however, the community changed its name to Clemson in 1943.
Today’s visitors to Clemson have a wide range of fun and exciting activities to choose from. The city is a modern, thriving college town that still retains all the charm and quaintness of a historic village. History buffs will delight in touring numerous historic sites, including Fort Hill Plantation, Hanover House, Hopewell House, Hunt Cabin, and Old Stone Church. The South Carolina Botanical Gardens are beautiful – strolling around the grounds here is a very relaxing and pleasurable way to spend one’s time! Outdoor enthusiasts have an abundance of options in Clemson. Three lovely lakes – Hartwell, Jocassee, and Keowee – offer a scenic place to go fishing, swimming, boating, and enjoy water sports, as does the Chattooga River. Performing arts centers feature entertainment for all; interesting art galleries, museums, boutiques, and stores all invite you to browse; and restaurants and taverns welcome guests for a delicious serving of Southern hospitality! Embrace all there is to do in Clemson! Hotels allow you to stay conveniently close to where you want to be. When you stay at Choice Hotels, you enjoy affordable rates, many amenities, and friendly service. We look forward to hosting you soon! Reserve your room today!