Aiken in Aiken County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Legare-Morgan House
Photographed By Steve Sferra, October 5, 2020
1. Legare-Morgan House Marker (front)
One of the oldest houses in Alken, this was home to the Legare family, including writer James Mathewes Legare (1823-1859), who lived here beginning in 1846. Portions of the house date to as early as 1837. The south wing was built c. 1852 as a detached workshop for James Legare, who was also an inventor and painter. The north wing was added c. 1900, after the workshop was moved and attached to the house.
While living here, James Legare published his best-known work, Orta-Undis, and other Poems (1848). He also produced several inventions, including a cotton-based plastic he called "lignine." In 1870, the Legare family sold the property to Thomas Charles Morgan (1824-1905), an English naval officer. His son, attorney Thomas Redman Morgan (1863-1931), was Aiken mayor from 1899 to 1900 and lived in the house for a number of years.
Erected 2019 by Aiken County Historical Society. (Marker Number 2-64.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.
Location. 33° 33.499′ N, 81° 43.447′ W. Marker is in Aiken, South Carolina, in Aiken County. Marker is at the intersection of Laurens Street Southwest and Downing Street Southwest, on the right when traveling
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dibble Memorial Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Plutonium-238 for Space Exploration (within shouting distance of this marker); Woodmen Of The World (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); South Carolina Canal & Rail Road Company (about 600 feet away); The S.C. Railroad (about 600 feet away); Fallout Shelter (about 600 feet away); Fred B. Cavanaugh (about 600 feet away); Hofmann (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aiken.
Photographed By Steve Sferra, October 5, 2020
2. Legare-Morgan House Marker (back)
Photographed By Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023
3. Legare-Morgan House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2023, by Steve Sferra of Aiken, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 3, 2023, by Steve Sferra of Aiken, South Carolina. 3. submitted on January 8, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
