The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.
Aiken County, located near the mid-point of South Carolina’s 250-mile border with Georgia, was created in 1871 from parts of Edgefield, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Barnwell counties. The expansion of railroads during the late-nineteenth century caused population growth throughout the area. The County and City of Aiken were named for William Aiken, president of the SC Railroad and Canal Company.
Today, Aiken County is the center of South Carolina’s “Thoroughbred Country.” Famous for the spring Triple Crown that includes flatracing, steeplechases, and polo, the area is known for stables and racehorse training as well.