Aiken County, South Carolina, established in 1871, is located in the western part of the state along the Savannah River. Known for its agricultural, equestrian, and industrial heritage, Aiken County has a unique history shaped by plantation life, the rise of railroads, and later, the development of the Savannah River Site. Named after William Aiken, the president of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company, the county seat, Aiken, has long been a vibrant center for commerce, equestrian activities, and cultural events. Today, Aiken County maintains a blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and modern development.
Origins and Key Historical Events
Indigenous Presence and Early European Settlement
Before European settlers arrived, Aiken County’s land was inhabited by Indigenous tribes, primarily the Creek and Cherokee people, who used the region’s rivers and forests for hunting, fishing, and agriculture. These tribes had established trade networks and territories before European settlers began moving into the area in the 18th century.
Early European settlers, mostly from England, Scotland, and Ireland, established plantations along the Savannah River and the surrounding fertile lands. The soil and climate were ideal for crops like cotton, tobacco, and indigo, which quickly became staples of the region’s economy. This era marked the beginning of plantation culture in what would become Aiken County, and by the early 19th century, the region had a growing population of both free and enslaved people working in agriculture.
The Rise of the Railroad and the Founding of Aiken County (1871)
A major turning point in Aiken County’s history came with the construction of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad, which was completed in 1833. The railroad, one of the first in the United States, connected Charleston to the interior regions of South Carolina, facilitating trade and transport across the state. The town of Aiken, named after railroad president William Aiken, quickly grew into a transportation hub and a popular resort destination due to its mild climate and mineral springs.
The rapid growth of the area led to the official establishment of Aiken County in 1871, carved out from parts of Barnwell, Edgefield, Lexington, and Orangeburg Counties. Aiken became the county seat, further cementing its role as a center of commerce, governance, and social life. During this time, wealthy Northerners, known as “Winter Colonists,” began visiting Aiken to escape harsh winters, establishing a tradition of equestrian sports and resort life that endures today.
Civil War and Reconstruction Era
The Civil War had a significant impact on Aiken County, as it did on the entire South. Many of Aiken’s plantations and railroads were damaged during the war, disrupting the county’s economy. Aiken County men fought for the Confederacy, and following the Union victory, the region experienced the economic and social upheaval typical of Reconstruction.
After the war, Aiken County’s economy struggled as it transitioned away from the reliance on slave labor. The Reconstruction period brought challenges and changes to social and political life in the county, but it also saw some growth due to the continued popularity of Aiken as a winter destination for wealthy Northerners. This influx of seasonal residents helped diversify the local economy and laid the foundation for Aiken’s long-standing equestrian tradition.
The Savannah River Site and the Atomic Age
Aiken County entered a new chapter in the 20th century with the establishment of the Savannah River Site (SRS) in the early 1950s. This nuclear reservation, created by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, was designed for the production of materials used in nuclear weapons during the Cold War. The development of the Savannah River Site transformed the local economy, creating jobs and bringing new infrastructure to the area. Thousands of workers from across the United States relocated to Aiken County to work at the SRS, leading to rapid population growth and development in the towns surrounding the site.
The Savannah River Site remains a significant part of Aiken County’s economy, with its mission evolving over time to include environmental management, waste cleanup, and nuclear material storage. While the initial impact of the SRS was transformative, it also brought environmental and social changes that continue to influence the county today.
Modern Aiken County
Today, Aiken County is a blend of historical charm, agricultural roots, and modern development. Agriculture, particularly horse farming and training, remains an important part of the local economy. Aiken’s equestrian community is nationally recognized, with horse shows, polo matches, and training facilities drawing visitors and equestrian professionals from across the country.
The county is also known for its historic sites, thriving arts scene, and commitment to preserving its unique heritage. The city of Aiken hosts festivals and events celebrating its history, and the local government and community groups have made efforts to preserve historic architecture and sites. Additionally, Aiken County’s educational institutions and cultural centers contribute to a vibrant community that values both its past and future.
Historical Sites in Aiken County
1. Aiken County Historical Museum
Overview: Housed in Banksia, a grand 1930s Winter Colony estate, the Aiken County Historical Museum offers exhibits on the county’s history, from its Native American roots to its equestrian culture and the development of the Savannah River Site. The museum features displays of artifacts, historic photographs, and period rooms that reflect life in Aiken over the centuries.
Location: 433 Newberry St. SW, Aiken, SC
Ticket Price: Free entry; donations appreciated.
Parking Information: Free on-site parking available.
2. Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch
Overview: Hopelands Gardens, a 14-acre public garden, is a beloved landmark in Aiken. Originally the estate of Winter Colony residents Hope Goddard and Charles Oliver Iselin, the gardens feature beautiful pathways, fountains, and a variety of seasonal blooms. Rye Patch, another Winter Colony estate adjacent to Hopelands Gardens, features historic buildings and hosts cultural events, weddings, and gatherings.
Location: 135 Dupree Pl., Aiken, SC
Ticket Price: Free entry.
Parking Information: Free parking available near the entrance.
3. Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site
Overview: Located near Beech Island, Redcliffe Plantation was the estate of James Henry Hammond, a prominent 19th-century politician and plantation owner. The site preserves the main house, slave quarters, and grounds, offering guided tours that discuss the lives of the people who lived and worked there, including enslaved people. The site provides insights into South Carolina’s plantation culture and the lives of both the elite and the enslaved.
Location: 181 Redcliffe Rd., Beech Island, SC
Ticket Price: $10 for adults, $5 for children.
Parking Information: Free parking available on-site.
4. The Willcox Hotel
Overview: Built in 1898, The Willcox Hotel is a historic hotel that has hosted notable guests, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Harold Vanderbilt. The hotel became popular among the Winter Colony visitors for its luxury accommodations and remains one of Aiken’s most iconic landmarks. The Willcox is still in operation today, blending historic charm with modern amenities and offering dining and events open to the public.
Location: 100 Colleton Ave. SW, Aiken, SC
Ticket Price: No entry fee; dining and accommodation charges apply.
Parking Information: Free parking available on-site.
5. Savannah River Site Museum
Overview: The Savannah River Site Museum is dedicated to the history and impact of the Savannah River Site, from its establishment during the Cold War to its current role in environmental management. Exhibits cover the science, technology, and social effects of the SRS on Aiken County, with artifacts, interactive displays, and information on nuclear energy and environmental stewardship.
Location: 224 Laurens St. SW, Aiken, SC
Ticket Price: $5 for adults, free for children under 12.
Parking Information: Free parking available nearby.
6. Hitchcock Woods
Overview: Hitchcock Woods is one of the largest urban forests in the United States, covering over 2,100 acres. Donated by equestrian enthusiasts Thomas and Louise Hitchcock, the woods offer over 70 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking, and bird-watching. Hitchcock Woods is a central part of Aiken’s equestrian heritage, hosting annual events like the Aiken Horse Show.
Location: 444 South Boundary Ave. SW, Aiken, SC
Ticket Price: Free entry.
Parking Information: Limited free parking available at various trailheads.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Aiken County is located in the Piedmont region of western South Carolina, bordered by the Savannah River to the west. The landscape includes rolling hills, pine forests, and agricultural lands, along with the urban areas of Aiken and North Augusta. The climate in Aiken County is classified as humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The area experiences ample rainfall, supporting both agriculture and natural forests, and it is subject to occasional severe weather, including thunderstorms and, rarely, hurricanes.
Quick Facts
- Year Founded: 1871
- County Seat: Aiken
- Population: Approximately 170,000
- Population Density: Around 107 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Aiken, North Augusta, New Ellenton
- Major Highways: Interstate 20, U.S. Route 1, U.S. Route 78, U.S. Route 278
- Adjacent Counties: Edgefield County (north), Barnwell County (south), Lexington County (east), Richmond County, Georgia (southwest), Columbia County, Georgia (west)