• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

SC Picture Project

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

  • FIND A LANDMARK
    • BY CITY
    • BY COUNTY
    • BY CATEGORY
    • BYGONE LANDMARKS
  • ADD IMAGES
  • VOLUNTEER
  • SPONSORS
  • DONATE

Downtown Aiken

SC PICTURE PROJECT 7 Comments

SC Picture Project / Aiken County / Downtown Aiken

Downtown Aiken is the center of South Carolina‘s Thoroughbred Country, which also encompasses the surrounding counties of Allendale, Bamberg, and Barnwell. Its historic district is well-preserved and thoughtfully landscaped, with flowers, fountains, and sculptures both serious and fun. Unique shops, spas, and restaurants can be found throughout Aiken, and there are several nice inns and bed and breakfasts to enjoy.

Morgan Fountain SC

Michael Enloe of Aiken, 2012 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Since Aiken is known for its close association with horses and equestrianism, its downtown area is dotted with unique statues like this one. It shows Limehouse, a stakes winner who trained at Aiken’s Dogwood Stable and came in fourth in the 2004 Kentucky Derby. (Note: This statue was damaged by a falling limb and removed.)

Horse Statue in Aiken SC

SCIWAY, 2008 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Flat racing, steeplechases, harness racing, and polo all have long traditions in Aiken. The “season” begins in March with the Aiken Triple Crown. The three jewels in the crown event include the Aiken Trials (flat racing), the Aiken Spring Steeplechase, and a polo match.

Downtown Aiken

Larry Gleason of Aiken © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

This photo, taken along Laurens Street, showcases the charm of Aiken’s historic downtown district. Here are some of Aiken’s most beloved landmarks:

1) Hopelands Gardens
2) Aiken Post Office
3) Willcox Inn
4) Morgan Fountain
5) Aiken Town Clock
6) William Aiken Statue
7) Aiken County Historical Museum (Banksia)
8) St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church


Downtown Aiken – Aiken Town Clock


Located at the corner of Laurens Street and Richland Avenue, Aiken‘s town clock was installed in 2007. Aiken got its start as a railroad town. In the 1830s, the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company established a route between Charleston and Hamburg to transport tobacco and cotton. William Aiken was president of the railroad and the fledgling town of Aiken took his name. Soon after, streets were arranged by an engineer, and the town was chartered in 1835.

Aiken Town Clock

Larry Gleason of Aiken © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

William Aiken’s son, also named William Aiken, served as a US senator and congressman. He also served as governor of South Carolina from 1844 until 1846.

Visit the Aiken-Rhett House in Charleston, owned by both William Aiken, Sr. and his son.

Plan Your Trip: Downtown Aiken

Where is Downtown Aiken located?
Address: Richland Avenue, Aiken, SC 29801
GPS Coordinates: 33.561676,-81.722428
Website: http://www.downtownaiken.com/
What else should I see?
William Aiken Statue 0.2 mile
Morgan Fountain 0.2 mile
Aiken Tennis Club 0.3 mile
Old Aiken Post Office 0.3 mile
Show me more like this!
  • Aiken Historic Sites
    Downtown Aiken Map

    Please Help Us Stay Online

    We’d like thank everyone who generously supports the South Carolina Picture Project. You provide us with the inspiration and financial support we need to keep doing what we do. Every reader’s contribution, larger or small, is valuable. If you have enjoyed this website or found it helpful, please pitch in. Each donation helps – and it only takes a minute. Thank you!

    Support the SC Picture Project!

    $ 50.00
    Select Payment Method
    Personal Info

    Credit Card Info
    This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

    Donation Total: $50.00

    You may also like

    You may also like

    Banksia SnowAiken County Historical Museum Hopeland Gardens in Aiken, South CarolinaHopelands Gardens Palmetto Golf Club Aiken Train DepotAiken Visitors Center and Train Museum Ruth Patrick Science CenterUSC Aiken

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Deborah Harvey says

      May 7, 2022 at 11:09 AM

      My uncle Jim Harvey and his family lived there for many years. It looks so nice. Are there any home rentals?

      Reply
    2. Alena Carter says

      June 27, 2016 at 3:43 PM

      Thank you so much for this. I believe it sure has changed for the better since I was there last.

      Reply
    3. Bonnie says

      May 18, 2015 at 10:11 AM

      I love down town Aiken! I would love to live there, but I have children and grand children and great grand children here in Oregon, which I would not want to be too far away from.

      Reply
    4. Bonnie says

      May 18, 2015 at 10:05 AM

      I would like to purchase a poster of the painted horses around town. How do I do that?
      Bonnie

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        May 18, 2015 at 11:12 AM

        Hi, Bonnie! Here is a link to the Aiken Visitors Center. Hopefully, someone there can guide you. Good luck! http://www.visitaikensc.com/whattodo/detail/aiken_railroad_depot

        Reply
    5. Courtney Lay says

      November 15, 2011 at 11:26 AM

      I live here and I have all my life. I love it here, it is always so fun and there is always something to entertain you.

      Reply
    6. Jeanne Melick says

      November 11, 2011 at 4:27 PM

      Your town looks very beautiful — possibly a place for my husband and I to move to once I retire!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    FIND A LANDMARK

    Why This Site Matters

    Help Keep This Site Online

    We depend on the support of today’s readers to document South Carolina’s landmarks for future readers. Please help us continue this important work by making a donation below.

    $ 50.00
    Select Payment Method
    Personal Info

    Credit Card Info
    This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

    Donation Total: $50.00

    Recent Posts

    • H.L. Hunley
    • Strand Theater
    • Camden Depot
    • Charleston City Marina
    • Secession Hill

    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

    Footer

    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

    CONTACT US

    We’d love to hear from you! Send us a quick email at share@scpictureproject.org.

    If you are looking for permission to use a photo, please reach out directly to the photographer listed in the image’s credit.

    JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

    The South Carolina Picture Project has two Facebook groups. One is dedicated to SC Historic Landmarks and Iconic Landscapes, and the other is dedicated to SC Nature and Wildlife.

    South Carolina Picture Project © 2022 · All Rights Reserved