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

Banksia

Photographed By Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023

1. Banksia Marker

Inscription. (Front)
Banksia, named for the yellow roses of the same name that grow here, was commissioned in 1931 by Richard Howe – Aiken Winter Colonist. The 14,000 sq. ft. Colonial Revival mansion, with 35 rooms, 15 bathrooms, and a ballroom, was designed by noted Augusta architect Willis Irvin. His plans used a 3,500 sq. ft. house known as the Harrington House that had stood on the property since the 1850s. It was incorporated as the right wing of Banksia. (Continued on other side) (Reverse) (Continued from other side) After Howe’s death in 1943, Banksia was eventually sold and was first used in the early 1950s as a boarding house used by construction workers building the Savannah River Nuclear Plant. In 1957 it was bought by the Southern Methodist Church and used as a college. Later, it served as the first home of USC-Aiken from 1961 to 1972. From 1973 to 1983 it was used as the Aiken County Public Library. Since 1984 it has been home to the Aiken County Historical Museum.

Erected 2016 by Sponsored by the Aiken County Historical Society. (Marker Number 2 57.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1931.

Location. 33° 33.28′

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

N, 81° 43.49′ W. Marker is in Aiken, South Carolina, in Aiken County. Marker is on Newberry Street Southwest north of First Avenue Southwest, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 433 Newberry St SW, Aiken SC 29801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named "Banksia" (within shouting distance of this marker); Aiken County Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Frederick Ergle Log Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Trough and Drinking Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Aiken County Courthouse Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); The One Room Schoolhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Transit Of Venus Observatory Structure, 1882 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Coker Spring (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aiken.

Also see . . . Aiken County Historical Museum. (Submitted on January 9, 2024.)

Photographed By Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023

2. Banksia Marker

Photographed By Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023

3. Banksia Marker

Photographed By Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023

4. Banksia

Photographed By Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023

5. Banksia

Photographed By Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023

6. Banksia

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 53 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 8, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.