Wraggborough in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

William Aiken House

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2011

1. William Aiken House Marker

Inscription. Built between 1807 and 1811, the east wing was added after 1831. Residence of William Aiken, first president (1828-1831) of the South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company. This company inaugurated the American steam railroad era at Charleston, Christmas day, 1830, by using for the first time on this continent a steam locomotive in regular service to pull a train of cars on a track. It also was the first in this country to carry the mail. The property was inherited by Governor William Aiken, Jr., who sold it in 1863 to the South Carolina Railroad Company, which later became a part of the Southern Railway System.
Approved by the
Historical Commission of Charleston, S.C.
(Lower Plaque)
The William Aiken House

Has been designated a
Registered National
Historic Landmark
under the provisions of the
Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935
This site possesses exceptional value
in commemorating and illustrating
the history of the United States.
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
1964

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1807.

Location. 32° 47.352′ N, 79° 56.309′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in Wraggborough. It is on King Street near Ann Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charleston SC 29403, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Historic Charleston

and in the Lowcountry.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Eastern

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Seaboard. 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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Camden Depot (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bound For Glory (about 400 feet away); The Best Friend of Charleston (about 400 feet away); Building a Nation (about 400 feet away); The Railroad Comes To Charleston (about 400 feet away); Passengers and Products (about 500 feet away); In memory of PFC Dennis E. LaPage (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Civil War Submarine, H.L. Hunley (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Regarding William Aiken House. The William Aiken House and Associated Railroad Structures are nationally significant for their role in the development of the railroad industry in the United States. The railroad structures represent

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2011

2. William Aiken House Marker

National Historic
Civil Engineering Landmark
Emblem:
American
Society of
Civil Engineers
Founded
1852
Charleston-Hamburg
Railroad
ASCE 1970 Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks as designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers since it began the program in 1964. The designation is granted to projects, structures, and sites in the United States

the best extant collection of antebellum railroad structures illustrating the development of an early railroad terminal facility. These buildings were constructed as the need for them developed. The Aiken House was the residence of William Aiken, Sr., who had a major role in the creation of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company and served as its first president. This railroad company was the first to use steam from the beginning of its operations, the first to use an American made locomotive and the first to carry the State’s mail. In addition to the original house (ca. 1807) built in the Adam tradition, the associated structures include the Camden Depot (ca. 1850), Deans Warehouse (ca. 1856), South Carolina Railroad Warehouse (ca. 1857), Tower Passenger Depot (ca. 1850), Line Street Car and Carpenter Shops (ca. 1857), the railroad right-of-way, and the “Best Friend of Charleston” steam locomotive Replica (ca. 1928). Listed in the National Register October 15, 1966; Designated a National Historic Landmark November 4, 1963.(South Carolina Dept. of Archives and History)

Additional commentary.
1. National Register

William Aiken House Medallion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2011

3. William Aiken House Medallion

Preservation Society Of Charleston
Award 1972
Carolopolis
Condita A.D.
(Charleston Founding) 1670
2002
Pro Merito ( For Merit)

of Historic Places:
Aiken, William, House and Associated Railroad Structures *** (added 1966 - District - #66000698)
♦ 456 King St., Charleston
♦ Historic Significance: Event
♦ Area of Significance: Transportation
♦ Period of Significance: 1800-1824, 1825-1849, 1850-1874
♦ Owner: Private
♦ Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Domestic, Transportation
♦ Historic Sub-function: Rail-Related, Secondary Structure, Single Dwelling, Warehouse
♦ Current Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture, Transportation
♦ Current Sub-function: Museum, Professional, Rail-Related

— Submitted January 22, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.

William Aiken House Marker, far right image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2011

4. William Aiken House Marker, far right

Ann and King Streets

William Aiken House, Ann Street entrance, ASCE plaque at left of gate image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, January 23, 2011

5. William Aiken House, Ann Street entrance, ASCE plaque at left of gate

William Aiken House courtyard view, seen from King Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, January 23, 2011

6. William Aiken House courtyard view, seen from King Street

William Aiken House image. Click for full size.

Historic American Buildings Survey SC,10-CHAR,54-1, April 1969

7. William Aiken House

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,502 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 23, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 7. submitted on January 30, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.