Edgefield in Edgefield County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Oakley Park Museum

Witness to Edgefield's Social and Political History

Photographed By Brian Scott, October 10, 2008

1. Oakley Park Museum Marker

Inscription. Oakley Park was built in 1835 by a prosperous Edgefield planter, Daniel Bird. In 1841, Bird's son was tragically killed in a shoot-out in front of the Edgefield County Courthouse. Suffering great sorrow at his loss, Bird sold his home and left town to rebuild his life in Florida. In 1874, Oakley Park was purchased by a renowned Civil War military leader, Major General Martin Witherspoon Gary. The property remained in the Gary family until 1941 when it was deeded over to the Edgefield Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy in whose care and keeping it remains to this day.

Oakley Park houses a rare and fascinating collection of antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction era artifacts, oil painting, and period furniture, which all combine to tell the story of its colorful history.

Erected by South Carolina Heritage Corridor.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Notable Buildings • Notable Places • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina Heritage Corridor, and the United Daughters of the Confederacy series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.

Location. 33° 47.267′ N, 81° 55.3′ W. Marker is in Edgefield, South

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Carolina, in Edgefield County. Marker is on Columbia Road. Marker is near the intersection of Columbia Street and Augusta Road (Highway 25). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Columbia Road, Edgefield SC 29824, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. J. Strom Thurmond Birthplace (within shouting distance of this marker); M60A3 Main Battle Tank (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Andrew Pickens (approx. 0.2 miles away); George McDuffie (approx. 0.2 miles away); Town of Edgefield Parking Lot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Piedmont Technical College, Edgefield Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pierce Mason Butler (approx. ¼ mile away); James Henry Hammond (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edgefield.

Also see . . . Martin Witherspoon Gary. Martin Witherspoon Gary (March 25, 1831 – April 9, 1881) was a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War and a Democratic politician in postbellum South Carolina. (Submitted on October 12, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

Additional commentary.
1. Oakley Park Museum
The stately antebellum home of General Martin Witherspoon Gary now serves as an historic museum. Guests are transported back in time as they visit the spacious

Drive Leading to the Oakley Park Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, October 10, 2008

2. Drive Leading to the Oakley Park Museum

rooms adorned with handcarved mantels and plaster ceiling medallions. Marvel at the Lost Cause Prints and Civil War relics on display throughout the home.

Oakley Park, the only shrine to the red Shirt Movement and Reconstruction, is open to the public Thursday-Saturday from 10 am until 4 pm, and by appointment. Group tours and luncheons available by request.

Special events are held on the grounds during the year. In the fall, The Lantern Tour - A Civil War Saga transports visitors back to the tragic years of Civil War and the turbulence of Reconstruction. Other historical interpretations are presented throughout the year. Stroll through a Confederate Camp, hear the songs, smell the smoke and witness living history at its best. (From brochure published by th Oakley Park Museum.)

— Submitted October 12, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.

Oakley Park Built c.1835 image. Click for full size.

South Carolina Department of Archives and History, circa 1972

3. Oakley Park Built c.1835

Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,320 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 12, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3. submitted on September 25, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.