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.
(Marker Reverse)
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 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. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Coker Spring (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Aiken Institute (about 700 feet away); Frederick Ergle Log Cabin (about 700 feet away); Water Trough and Drinking Fountain (about 700 feet away); The One Room Schoolhouse (about 800 feet away); Banksia (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named "Banksia" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Aiken County Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Aiken County Courthouse Bell (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hitchcock Woods (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aiken.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. The Hitchcock Woods Historical Marker.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 2008
2. Whitney Park Marker , side 2
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.)
5. "60-Room White Elephant Trumpets Again". New York Times article by Mitchell Owens,
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
3. Whitney Park present day park
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 March 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,641 times since then and 43 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.
