We the People: Anderson Lake project

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A major upstate development will soon sit on a plot of farmland that has a rich history.

Land in Anderson County between Hampton and Welcome Roads will soon be transformed into a massive lakeside luxury community, but the property was once owned by Revolutionary War Colonel and State Militia General Robert Anderson

“I’ve spent such a large part of my life out here. It just feels like it’s a part of me,” Rick Anderson who grew up on the property said.

“We’ve both grown up on the farm all out lives and we spend most of our spare time out here,” Jimmy Anderson who grew up on the property said.

FOX Carolina first told you about the Anderson Lake project at the beginning of July, when the Anderson County Planning Commission approved the 1,200-acer project.

“We just feel blessed that we’ve had the opportunity to spend so much time here,” Jimmy Anderson said.

Anderson Lake will bring new homes and possibly even a new elementary school to the area, all on farmland that holds a rich history.

“The people that fought for this country were given property for a reward for the service they gave for this country and that’s how this property came about,” Jimmy Anderson said.

Descendants said the land was gifted to Colonel Anderson in exchange for his service in the Revolutionary War. His loved ones who grew up on the property showed FOX Carolina the original land grant from 1786.

Brothers Rick and Jimmy Anderson are descendants of Revolutionary War Colonel James Anderson, the younger brother of Robert Anderson.

“They came down from Virginia and what I was told is that there were 5 brothers that came down and fought in the American Revolution, and Robert settled where Lake Hartwell is now, and James settled here. I was told the other 3 brothers went West.”

Descendants said the rich history made it hard for them to sell and part with the land.

“I think I would be better off letting go. It feels like it’s part of you. We both feel that way. It’s just it’s been difficult for both of us to let it go, but we understand the facts of why it’s got to happen,” Rick Anderson said.

The project developer said they’re not trying to change what makes the area special, but instead they’re trying to highlight it.

Work on the project is expected to start in phases and could take several years to complete.