Considering a visit or move to Aiken?
Even a local looking for something to do in Aiken, SC?
A great way to get to know a
community culture and vibe is seek out some of its history.
Stay tuned for 5 places to visit
that tells you a lot about Aiken, SC.
One
of best ways to understand a town is to go back in history. Aiken, SC was
highly influenced by a train, winter colony, equine culture, Savannah River
Site and of course the original Aikenites. All, made Aiken what it is today and
is still shaping its future.
Our first stop back in history, is literally
Aiken Train Depot.
Aiken Train Museum
406 Park Avenue SE
Aiken, SC 29801
It’s been said Aiken owes their existence
to South Carolina Railroad. The train coming to Aiken is recognizably one of
the biggest influences on Aiken, SC. In fact, it is named after William Aiken,
the president of the South Carolina Railroad. The
museum has nine dioramas that depict the towns along the original SC canal and
Railroad Company right of way. It’s an enjoyable museum, that has restored railroad
cars and is one of Aiken’s visitor centers.
Our
second stop is…
Aiken County Historical Museum
433 Newberry Street SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Some say Aiken got its personality from
the past “winter colony” of wealthy northern sports enthusiasts. Let’s start at
Aiken County Historical Museum; the museum is history itself being a 1930’s
winter colony mansion name “Banksia”. This museum is a very special place. It’s not
just the building, serpentine walls and setting, but the wealth of information
and history held within her. The museum collects and preserves historical
material relating to Aiken County. There is a lot of fascinating info on the
winter colony culture. This is one of the numerous reasons Aiken is so
attractive to so many.
Let’s Continue on our journey to:
Savannah River Site Museum
224 Lauren's Street SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Aiken’s
relatively cosmopolitan spirit is owed to the Savannah River Site, with all the
technology, businesses, and people it brought to the area, way back in 1950’s.
The
Savannah River Site Museum is dedicated to bringing the stories of Savannah
River Site, its scientific and technological role in the Cold War, to life. An
ideal place to learn to about SRS which still the largest employers and still
shaping Aiken and the CSRA today.
We
are now at our 4th Museum.
The Center for African America
History, Art and Culture
120 York Street NE
Aiken, SC 29801
This museum is housed in the
historical Immanuel Institute built by Reverend W.R. Coles, an African American
Presbyterian missionary in 1889. Rev.
Coles moved
to Aiken in 1881 and established a church and school for freed enslaved people.
The museum is operated by the City
of Aiken and is an educational resource with interactive programs of sight and
sound that educates and inspires all.
Our final stop today is
Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of
Fame and Museum
135 Dupree Place
Aiken, SC 29801
There is no doubt the equine industry
has a huge financial impact on Aiken, now and over the decades. Aiken is known as
one of the best training places. Horse people from all over the world come to
Aiken; many just cannot leave this slice of heaven. This museum which is located within Hopelands Gardens was established
in 1977 as a tribute to the famous flat racing and steeplechase Thoroughbred
horses that trained in Aiken, South Carolina. Even though a small museum
its rich in history and information. Afterwards, take some time to enjoy a walk
in the famous Hopelands Gardens.
Now that you just took a tour of Aiken’s history and past, each shaping Aiken to become this quaint, vibrant, cultured town it is today….it’s time to plan a visit. Now be careful, you may want to make Aiken, SC your home; just like I did over 40 years ago.
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Brandi Cook + Vikki Crossland
Meybohm Real Estate
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