The Wizard Owl of Hopewell - Andrew Pickens
Andrew Pickens was an Officer in the Revolutionary War who went on to host peace negotiations with Native American Nations.
Andrew Pickens
Andrew Pickens was born in Pennsylvania but relocated several times with his family.
Eventually, Pickens ended up on the South Carolina frontier.
Though he became friendly with local Native Americans, Andrew served in the Anglo-Cherokee War where he gained experience as a soldier.
Captured
When the Revolutionary War broke out Pickens joined the Patriot Militia of South Carolina as a Captain, though he would go on to obtain the rank of Brigadier General.
During the war, Andrew participated in most of the major battles in the Southern Theater of the hostilities.
However, in 1780, Pickens was captured during the siege of a fort. He and his men were quickly paroled on the condition that they would not return to the field.
Breaking Parole
Shortly after Andrew’s parole the British raided his property.
Believing his parole to have been violated, Pickerns returned to the militia.
He played an integral role supporting Daniel Morgan and Nathaniel Greene during the final year of primary fighting.
Treating at Hopewell
When the Revolutionary War concluded, Pickens became active in State politics.
Additionally, his property, Hopewell, was used to negotiate peace treaties with the area’s Native American Nations.
Working with Benjamin Hawkins and Joseph Martin, Pickens assisted in creating three different agreements (all called the Treaty of Hopewell). These eased tensions with the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Choctaw nations as well as earned him the nickname Skyagunsta, meaning The Wizard Owl.
If you’d like to read about other FOUNDERS ON THE FRONTIER:
The Midnight Ride of Jack Jouett
John Filson Puts Cincinnati (And Daniel Boone) on the Map
Richard Henderson, The Transylvania Company and the Cumberland Compact
Andrew Pickens actually has several biographies.
‘Life and Times’ is the most recent so has the most current perspective.
If you’d like a copy for your very own you can through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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