Aiken in Aiken County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Aiken County Museum
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 10, 2013
1. Aiken County Museum Marker
The coming of the railroad was a major factor in the birth of Aiken. The all-important cotton crop and Graniteville fabrics could get to market. Add to life in Aiken a lady lonesome for her wealthy friends up North and you have the beginning of the Winter Colony in the 1930s, and 40s. With the Winter Colony came hunting and horseback riding, polo, golf, and tennis - a lifestyle that changed the area.
Banksia
(An early photo of Banksia included)
This museum, "Banksia",was built in 1931 and named for the little yellow rose that climbs serpentine walls surrounding the house. With the passage of time, the Museum remained a centerpiece. After a stint as a boarding house, Banksia was used as the first home of the University of South Carolina at Aiken. It served the needs of the people as the public library and, when the library moved to its current home, it became the Museum you see here now. It chronicles the good times and the bad - a tribute to life in Aiken.
Life in Aiken took a radical change in November of 1950 when the announcement was made of the Savannah River Plant - the "Bomb Plant" being built. Change occurred overnight. Over 30,000 men and their families descended upon the county. Trailer parks sprang up everywhere, schools were on double
this page online
Erected by South Carolina Heritage Corridor.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina Heritage Corridor series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1950.
Location. 33° 33.267′ N, 81° 43.52′ W. Marker is in Aiken, South Carolina, in Aiken County. Marker can be reached from Newberry Street SW near 1st Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Located at the Museum along the parking circle, south lawn. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Aiken County Courthouse Bell (a few steps from this marker); "Banksia" (within shouting distance of this marker); Transit Of Venus Observatory Structure, 1882 (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Banksia (within shouting distance of this marker); Frederick Ergle Log Cabin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Water Trough and Drinking Fountain (about 300 feet away); The One Room Schoolhouse (about 400 feet away); Hitchcock Woods (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aiken.
Regarding Aiken County Museum.
Photographed By Aiken County Museum Marker, `
2. Life in Aiken
a 1890's one-room schoolhouse and a log cabin built in 1808. The purpose of the Aiken County Historical Museum, under the direction of the Aiken County Historical Commission, is to collect and preserve historical material relating to Aiken County, to display and interpret such information to the public. There is no charge to visit the Museum. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:00; Sunday 2:00 - 5:00.
Also see . . . Aiken County Historical Museum. 17,500 square feet of amazing Aiken County history in changing exhibits and the following permanent exhibits: The County Room/The “War” Room The Pottery Exhibit The Savannah River Site The Golf Exhibit The Sports Room The Military Exhibit The Winter Colony Room The Hamburg/North Augusta Room The Agriculture Room The Moody Drugstore The Public Safety Room The “Displaced” Exhibit The Circus Room The Nature Room The Musicians of Aiken County The Ladies of Aiken County The Ergle Cabin The China Springs One-Room Schoolhouse (Submitted on February 14, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed By Aiken County Museum Marker, `
3. Banksia
Photographed By Aiken County Museum Marker, `
4. Aiken County Museum Marker
Photographed By Aiken County Museum Marker, `
5. Life in a trailer park
Photographed By Aiken County Museum Marker, `
6. workers at "Dupont's first safty meeting"
Over 30,000 men and their families descended upon the county, the Savannah River Plant - the "Bomb Plant"
being built.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 10, 2013
7. Aiken County Museum, " Banksia" northeast entrance , and marker
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 10, 2013
8. Aiken County Museum North entrance
Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 24, 2008
9. Banksia" Aiken County Museum, east entrance
Banksia has 32 rooms, 15 bathrooms and a ballroom.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 10, 2013
10. Aiken County Museum, The China Springs One-Room Schoolhouse mentioned
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 10, 2013
11. Aiken County Museum , Ergle Cabin built in 1808 , as mentioned
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 10, 2013
12. Aiken County Museum -"Banksia", north side view from nearby South Boundary Avenue SW
South Carolina Department of Archives and History, circa 1984
13. "Banksia", Aiken County Museum
Included in and a part of The National Register of Historic Places:
Aiken Winter Colony Historic District II (added 1984 - - #84000498)
Roughly bounded by RR track, Colleton and 3rd Aves., Laurens, South Boundary, and Marion Sts. , Aiken
• Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
• Architectural Style: No Style Listed
• Area of Significance: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Entertainment/Recreation
• Period of Significance: 1925-1949, 1900-1924, 1875-1899
• Historic Function: Domestic, Recreation And Culture
• Current Function: Domestic, Recreation And Culture
• Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
• Architectural Style: No Style Listed
• Area of Significance: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Entertainment/Recreation
• Period of Significance: 1925-1949, 1900-1924, 1875-1899
• Historic Function: Domestic, Recreation And Culture
• Current Function: Domestic, Recreation And Culture
Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 978 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. submitted on February 13, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 13. submitted on February 14, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
