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The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum

SC PICTURE PROJECT 4 Comments

SC Picture Project / Aiken County / Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum

While this replica train depot in Aiken has only been open since 2010, it reflects the city’s long railroad history. The original depot that sat on this site was built in 1899 and served rail travelers until 1954; that year, train service was discontinued in Aiken. After a decade of fundraising, a new depot was unveiled on September 18, 2010 to serve as the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum.

Aiken Train Depot

Pete Lawrence of Sumter, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Nine dioramas throughout the depot depict the Charleston-to-Hamburg rail line of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company. The company’s president, William Aiken, is the city’s namesake. The rail line was the nation’s first steam-powered commercial railroad. It was also the longest rail line in the world – 136 miles – when it was completed in 1833. The dioramas show how the towns along the line appeared in 1916.

Aiken Train Depot

Shirley Radabaugh of Aiken, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Three rail cars – two dining cars and a caboose – rest on the grounds of the depot, awaiting restoration. Both dining cars were built by the Pullman Car Company. The newer car was built in 1920, while the older one dates to somewhere between 1910 and 1916. The caboose was built in the 1970s for the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company.

Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum

James (Jim) Jenkins of Chesterfield, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Once they are restored, the dining cars will be available to rent for events, and the caboose will be used as an historical display. The depot is also a popular events venue and can be rented for private gatherings. The museum is free to the public and open from 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesdays through Fridays and from 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays.

Aiken Visitors Center Train Museum Rail Cars

James (Jim) Jenkins of Chesterfield, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum Info


Address: 406 Park Avenue Southeast, Aiken, SC 29801
GPS Coordinates: 33.557922,-81.715645

Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum Map



Take Me There

Plan Your Trip: Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum

Where is Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum located?
Address: 406 Park Avenue Southeast, Aiken, SC 29801
GPS Coordinates: 33.557922,-81.715645
Website: http://aikenrailroaddepot.org/
What else should I see?
All Saints Anglican Church 0.2 mile
St. Mary Help of Christians Church 0.4 mile
Immanuel School 0.4 mile
First Baptist Church 0.4 mile
Show me more like this!
  • Aiken Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Trains & Depots
    Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Francine M Hardin says

      June 21, 2018 at 12:35 PM

      My husband and I absolutely loved your website. We are looking so forward to moving to Aiken and are avid train and civil war history enthusiasts. We cannot wait to be a part of Aikens ongoing “new” history.

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        June 21, 2018 at 9:36 PM

        Thanks so much, we hope you and your husband enjoy your new home, Aiken is such a great place!

        Reply
    2. Jane C. Britt says

      September 28, 2017 at 6:21 PM

      Hello, I lived in Aiken for nearly ten years in the 1960s and surely enjoyed being a young mother there. Where, oh where, is this museum? It’s a lovely project.

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        September 29, 2017 at 12:20 PM

        Hello, the museum is located at 460 Park Avenue Southeast in Aiken. Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply

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