Wraggborough in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
William Aiken House
Approved by the
Historical Commission of Charleston, S.C.
(Lower Plaque)
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. Marker 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.
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); The Civil War Submarine, H.L. Hunley (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Charleston Museum's Joseph Manigault House (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 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 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.
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 1,098 times since then and 9 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.