Aiken in Aiken County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Whitney Park
Photographed by Mike Stroud, July 2008
1. Whitney Park Marker
This park, laid out in 1904-05 was named for William Collins Whitney (1841-1904). Whitney, a lawyer, Secretary of the Navy 1885-1889 under Grover Cleveland, and financier, was also an avid sportsman and leading member of the "Aiken Winter Colony." He established the Whitney Trust in 1901 "for the institution and promotion of all kinds of sports and pastimes in the City of Aiken, S.C." Private and public donations alike paid for Whitney Park.
William C. Whitney, called "Aiken's most distinguished citizen" at his death in 1904, expanded a small cottage into a rambling vacation house of more than 50 rooms. Joye Cottage, its stables, and squash court are Aiken landmarks. He also help establish Hitchcock Woods, and the Whitney Trust owns Whitney Polo Field, the Court Tennis Building, Palmetto Golf Club, and the Powder House Road Polo Fields, all associated with the "Aiken Winter Colony."
Erected 2007 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History, sponsored by The Aiken County Historical Society and The Historic Aiken Foundation. (Marker Number 2-39.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas
this page online
Location. 33° 33.282′ N, 81° 43.325′ W. Marker is in Aiken, South Carolina, in Aiken County. It is at the intersection of S Boundary Ave SE and Chesterfield St. S, on the right when traveling west on S Boundary Ave SE. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Aiken SC 29801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Augusta and in the Midlands. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Horsehaven (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Coker Spring (about 600 feet away); Aiken Institute (about 700 feet away); Frederick Ergle Log Cabin (about 700 feet away); Water Trough and Drinking Fountain (about 700 feet away); Williams House (about 800 feet away); The One Room Schoolhouse (about 800 feet away); Ergle Family Log Cabin (about 800 feet away); Banksia (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named "Banksia" (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aiken.
Another marker is no longer nearby.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, July 2008
2. Whitney Park Marker , side 2
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. The Hitchcock Woods Historical Marker.
Also see . . .
1. William Collins Whitney. Wikipedia entry:
William Collins Whitney (July 5, 1841 - February 2, 1904) was an American political leader and financier and founder of the prominent Whitney family. (Submitted on August 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
2. Aiken Winter Colony Historic District I. South Carolina Department of Archives and History Website entry:
Aiken Winter Colony Historic District I is significant as the area in Aiken most closely associated with the Winter Colony and the horse industry. (Submitted on January 6, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
3. Aiken Winter Colony Historic District II. South Carolina Department of Archives and History Website entry:
Aiken Winter Colony Historic District II is significant as an intact collection of properties associated with the Aiken Winter Colony. (Submitted on January 6, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
4. Aiken Winter Colony Historic District III. South Carolina Department of Archives and History Website entry:
Aiken Winter Colony Historic District III is important as an intact collection of residences constructed for and rented by winter residents. (Submitted on January 6, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008
3. Whitney Park present day park
5. "60-Room White Elephant Trumpets Again". New York Times article by Mitchell Owens, July 6, 1996 (Submitted on January 6, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
6. Hitckcock Woods, Aiken, SC. SC Picture Project Website entry:
Hitchcock Woods is 2,000 acres of undeveloped woodlands that are protected by the Hitchcock Foundation for recreational use and enjoyment. (Submitted on January 6, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008
4. Whitney Park Marker at Chesterfield St.
Photographed by Unknown Source, 1901
5. William Collins Whitney
1841-1904
1841-1904
The USS Whitney (AD-4) was named in his honor when launched on October 12, 1923.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,543 times since then and 279 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5. submitted on March 15, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
