18 minute read
Historical Places
City & County Parks AIKEN COUNTY ALLENDALE COUNTY
BARNWELL COUNTY
Aiken County Recreation Center
917 Jefferson Davis Hwy (US 1/78), Graniteville. 803.663.6142 Seasonal pool, party/meeting space, picnic area, basketball court, playground, bluebird trail and walking track.
Boyd Pond Park
340 Boyd Pond Rd, Aiken. 803.642.0314 Ballfields, observatory, walking track, pond with boat dock and fishing allowed, 18-hole disc golf course, hiking trails, picnic shelters, bluebird trail, geocaching and beautiful natural habitat.
Brick Pond Park
88 Georgia Ave, North Augusta. Forty acre restored wetland. Park amenities include biking and walking trails, wildlife viewing pavilion, plant identification trail and birding.
Citizens Park
1060 Banks Mill Rd, Aiken. 803.642.7761 15 multi-purpose fields, batting cages, covered eating areas, walking track, soccer fields, sprayground and playgrounds.
Harrison-Caver Park
4181 Augusta Rd (SC 421), Clearwater. 803.593.4698 Tennis courts, playground, walking track, softball fields, picnic area, rentable community center and multipurpose field.
Maude Edenfield Park
400 E Buena Vista Ave, North Augusta. 803.441.4300 Basketball and tennis courts, BBQ grill, pavilion, picnic tables, rental space and water station. Hosts “Music in the Park” series through the late spring and summer months.
Riverview Park & Activities Center
100 Riverview Park Dr, North Augusta. 803.441.4311 Ballfields, tennis and racquetball courts, disc golf, picnic shelters, playground, horseshoe pits, four gyms, weight room, indoor walking/jogging track and walking trail.
Roy Warner Memorial Park
6021 Roy Warner Park Ln, Wagener. 803.564.6149 Ball fields, basketball court, playground area, walking track and concession stand. Community Center available for rent.
Smith-Hazel Center
400 Kershaw St, Aiken. 803.642.7635 Basketball court, tennis courts, picnic tables, walking track, seasonal pool, gym, playground and rental facilities.
Virginia Acres Park
1700 Whiskey Rd, Aiken. Located on 46 acres, this picture perfect ADA Accessible city park has amenities for just about everyone. Picnic shelters, inclusive playground, walking trail, soccer field, ball courts and disc golf course.
Allendale Green
US 278, Allendale. Fountain, gazebo and benches.
BAMBERG COUNTY
Hartzog Park
315-301 NW Dana St, Olar. Depression era park with picnic tables.
Jim Harrison Square
Palmetto Ave (US 321), Denmark. Award-winning downtown park includes gazebo and fountain.
Ness Sports Complex
133 Ness Dr, Bamberg. T-ball, soccer, baseball, slow pitch. Full summer sports program for all ages.
Robert E Foster Park
Main St and 3rd St, Bamberg. Tennis and volleyball courts, picnic tables and playground.
Collins Park
486 Main St and Marlboro Ave, Barnwell. 803.259.3317 Open play area, garden, historical markers, lighted gazebo with electricity, four park swings and partially covered picnic areas.
Darnell Park
192 Hagood Ave, Barnwell. Gazebo, open play area and picnic tables.
Fuller Park
9987 Dunbarton Blvd, Barnwell. 803.259.3317 Two outdoor basketball courts, nine-hole disc golf course, picnic tables, grills, walking/multiuse trail, wetlands and large open play area.
Jack Phillips Park
17 Galilee Rd, Barnwell. Picnic tables and benches.
Kilkenny Park
Corner of Jackson & Wellington, Barnwell. 803.259.3317 Fishing access, non-motorized boat access, picnic area with grills and walking path.
Lemon Park Sports Complex
123 Park St, Barnwell. 803.259.3317 Playgrounds, multi-purpose field, baseball field with press box, T-ball field and walking path.
Main Street Park
Railroad Bed, Blackville. Walking trail, benches and gazebo.
Williston Town Park
US 78 next to Williston-Elko High School, Williston. Playground, picnic tables, basketball, tennis court and 18-hole disc golf course.
GUIDED TOURS
Please note - Motor coach restrictions may apply in the City of Aiken. All motor coaches must contact the Tourism Supervisor for the City of Aiken prior to bringing a motor coach. (803.642.7631)
Historic Aiken Trolley Tours
406 Park Ave S, Aiken. 803.293.7846 City of Aiken Tourism. Public tours on Saturday mornings, reservations and prepayment required. Group tours available by appointment.
visitaikensc.com Rebel Ranch Horse Tours, LLC.
803.640.2765 Guided trail rides. Reserve and schedule your tour. Further details will be provided upon reservation confirmation. annettehbeeler@rebelranchhorsetours.com
rebelranchhorsetours.com Tailored Tours of Aiken
803.295.3870 Private driving tour experiences of historic Aiken. Custom tours tailored to suit your available time and interests. Ghost tours available year-round.
tailoredtoursofaiken.com Pedego Aiken
4019 Pavilion Pass Ste 100, Aiken. 803.226.9007 Electric bike rentals and tours available. Tours every Wednesday and Saturday. Ages 16+ for rentals/tours, exceptions for young experienced riders may be made. coker@pedegoaiken.com
144 Old Jackson Hwy, Beech Island. 803.867.3600 or 706.833.3651 Tours of historic Beech Island and Zubly Cemetery available by appointment. bihs@comcast.net
Blackville Historical Tours
105 Pascallas St, Blackville Joan McDonald, 803.284.3267 Tours available by appointment. joanemcd60@bellsouth.net
Carolina Aviation of Aiken
125 Aviation Blvd, Aiken. 803.502.1007 Flight school, aircraft maintenance, discovery flights, sightseeing tours available by appointment.
carolinaaviation.net Patriot Tour Boat
On the Savannah River. 803.730.9739 One-hour narrated tour Mar-Nov. Two-hour sunset tour Mar-Nov. Private Charters Year Round. cvbradshaw@icloud.com
patriottourboat.net
Your health and safety are our #1 priority. Please note that some guided tours may be in a shared space with other patrons. Before you schedule a tour, please contact the tour guide with any concerns.
For more on the following historical places in our region, visit: TBredCountry.org
HISTORICAL PLACES
HISTORIC CHURCHES, CEMETERIES & MARKERS
Many people find exploring an old burial ground can be likened to walking through a threedimensional history book. While some churchyards are the final resting home of famous heroes, many tell the past of ordinary townsfolk who were important to the area’s rich history. Enjoy your time in Thoroughbred Country exploring the wealth of historic sites, charming small towns and beautifully preserved churches.
The information in this section may not include all of the historic churches, cemeteries and markers in the region. For more information, visit the South Carolina Department of Archives and History at scdah.sc.gov.
AIKEN COUNTY
Adath Yeshurun Synagogue, 154 Greenville St NW, Aiken. Aiken’s permanent Jewish community dates to 1890, when immigrants from Eastern Europe began settling here. This Classical Revival synagogue was built in 1925 and has been in continuous use since as both a place of worship and a Jewish community center. Aiken, corner of Laurens St and The Alley, Aiken. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The county seat, Aiken was chartered in 1835.
Aiken Colored Cemetery/Pine Lawn
Memorial Gardens, Florence St and Hampton Ave, Aiken. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. This cemetery, established in 1852 as a city cemetery, became Pine Lawn Memorial Gardens in 1988. This was the only burial ground for African Americans in Aiken until the mid-20th century.
Aiken County, Aiken County Courthouse, corner of Park Ave and Chesterfield St, Aiken. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The county was created in 1871 and was named for William Aiken, the first president of the SC Canal & Railroad Company. Aiken First Baptist Church, York St NE, near its intersection with Richland Ave, Aiken. The church, founded in 1805, predates the city of Aiken and was first called Levels Baptist Church. The present Classical Revival sanctuary was built and dedicated in 1958. The cemetery, dating from 1838, includes the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. Aiken Institute, 314 Chesterfield St SW, Aiken. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The Aiken Institute was chartered in 1888. The main building was designed in 1891, includes a wing added in 1913. It was the second oldest school in use in the state when it closed in 1986. The 1913 wing became the Aiken County Public Library in 1990. Battle of Aiken, Richland Ave and Chesterfield St, Aiken. This marker commemorates the 1865 Battle of Aiken. Battle of John Town Memorial, intersection of Voyager Rd and Salley Rd. This marker commemorates the Battle of John Town, fought May 4, 1782, by Patriots defending the two bullpens where captured British and Tories were imprisoned during the Revolutionary War. Carrsville, Barton Rd and Boylan St, North Augusta. SC Hwy Historical Marker. This African-American community was established in 1930 after two floods on the Savannah River washed away most of the town of Hamburg. This building, long called “the Society Building,” was built in 1930 for the Young Men’s Union Society, which later bought the lot from William Carpenter. The building hosted many events for organizations such as Simmons Lodge No. 571, which acquired it in 1988. Coker Spring, Whiskey Rd and Coker Springs Rd SW, Aiken. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The freshwater spring less than ¼ mile southwest was used by prehistoric Native Americans. It was deeded to the town of Aiken in 1844 by William Perroneau Finley (1803-1876) and furnished Aiken’s drinking water throughout the 19th century. The brick springhouse, covered in stucco, dates from the early 19th century and features Greek Revival architectural elements. The springhouse and retaining walls were restored in 1972 after archaeological excavations. Downer Institute & School, intersection of Hammond Rd and US 278, Beech Island. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Downer Institute was founded in 1843 and operated until 1865. Downer Elementary School, the Institute’s successor, stood here 1924-1950 and 19521986. The school was burned in 1950 and replaced in 1952. Graniteville Cemetery, Gregg Hwy, Graniteville. The cemetery, established about 1850, is closely associated with the Graniteville Mill. William Gregg (1800-1867), founder of the mill, laid out the mill village and also helped plan this cemetery. Notable persons buried here include 83 Confederate soldiers and veterans, as well as many employees of the Graniteville Mill. Graniteville Academy, Canal St and Gregg Hwy, Graniteville. This Carpenter Gothic school was built in 1848 by the Graniteville Mill. The academy, with five classrooms and a bell tower, opened with local ministers as teachers for students in grades 1-6. The original 1848 academy was a residence from 1922-1969. Graniteville Mill, corner of Canal St and Marshall St, Graniteville. SC Hwy Historical Marker. This mill, the largest textile mill in Antebellum SC, was chartered in 1845 and opened in 1847. This company provided housing, a school, a store and land for churches, creating a model mill village. Hampton Terrace Hotel, 1000 block of Carolina Ave, North Augusta. SC Hwy Historical Marker. An exclusive winter resort, the hotel stood atop this hill from 1903 to 1916. The hotel burned down on New Year’s Eve 1916. Historic Church, US 278, at the entrance to Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site SC Hwy Historical Marker. This church was built in 1836 by Beech Island Presbyterian Church and organized in 1827. Woodrow Wilson’s wife was baptized here. In 1950, the building was consecrated as All Saints Episcopal Church.
Jacksonville School/Jacksonville Lodge,
351 Huber Clay Rd, Langley. Jacksonville School– Built by the Jacksonville Lodge in 1895, taught the African-American children of this community until 1936. The Jacksonville Community Commission acquired and renovated the building in 1991-92. Jacksonville Lodge– This building was constructed in 1895 by Jacksonville Lodge, Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, an African-American fraternal organization. The Odd Fellows met here on the second floor for many years. James U. Jackson Memorial Bridge, US 25 Business, near the Savannah River, North Augusta. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The first North Augusta bridge was built in 1891. The present bridge was built in 1939 and named after James U. Jackson who earned the title “Founder of North Augusta”. Martha Schofield School, 224 Kershaw St NE, Aiken. Schofield Middle School, 803.642.2770. SC Hwy Historical Marker. This school was founded by the Freemen’s Bureau shortly after the Civil War to educate free men and women. In 1868 Martha Schofield began her long career as superintendent. The school soon expanded to a two-block site and combined academics with industrial, farming and homemaking instruction. In 1940 alumnus Sanford P. Bradby became its first African American superintendent.
Contact the school before visiting.
North Augusta, John C. Calhoun Park, intersection of Carolina Ave and Georgia Ave, North Augusta. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Chartered in 1906, includes the site of two early towns. Campbell Town was a trading post on the Savannah River before the American Revolution. Hamburg, founded in 1821 as a port on the river, was an early western terminus of the S.C. Railroad. Pickens-Salley House, University of South Carolina Aiken campus, Aiken. SC Hwy Historical Marker. This plantation house is an excellent example of Federal-era architecture. Samuel Hammond, 101 Riverview Park Dr, North Augusta. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Samuel Hammond served in the American Revolution, represented Georgia in the U.S. House and settled in South Carolina in 1824 serving as a member of the South Carolina House and Secretary of State. Hammond died in 1842 and was buried nearby. Silver Bluff Baptist Church, 360 Old Jackson Hwy, Beech Island. SC Hwy Historical Marker. This church, one of the first African-American Baptist churches in America, grew out of regular worship services held as early as the 1750s at “Silver Bluff,” a plantation of Native American trader George Galphin. At first non-denominational congregation with both Caucasian and African-American members, it was formally organized as Silver Bluff Baptist Church in 1773. A large frame sanctuary built in 1873 was covered in brick veneer in 1920; it was demolished and the present brick church was built in 1948. Storm Branch Baptist Church, 153 Storm Branch Rd, Clearwater vicinity. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The church began as a plantation chapel in 1772 and became a wholly African-American church in 1866. The first permanent sanctuary was built around the same time. St. Thaddeus Church, 125 Pendleton St SW, Aiken. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This Episcopal church is the city’s oldest church structure, having retained its Greek Revival style through subsequent remodeling.
The Hamburg Massacre, US 1/78/25, under the 5th St Bridge on the North Augusta side, North Augusta. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Occurred nearby on July 8, 1876, was one of the most notable incidents of racial and political violence in SC during Reconstruction. The Martintown Rd, SC 230, two blocks south of its intersection with Georgia Ave, North Augusta. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The road was originally used by Native American traders going to the Cherokee Nation in the 1730’s.
“The Middle Road”/Indian Head, 151 John Nunn Hwy, Salley. SC Hwy Historical Marker. “The Middle Road”: Originally a Native American trading path that ran from the Savannah River to Charleston. In 1770 it was established as a public road. It ran between the forks of the Edisto from the Orangeburg Bridge to the Indian Head, before continuing to the Ridge. Indian Head: A series of springs at the head of Goodland Swamp that served as a landmark and watering place for travelers along the Middle Road. In 1781 Loyalists under the command of Lt. Col. John H. Cruger passed near here after their withdrawal from Ninety Six. They were pursued by Whigs, including militia commanded by Col. Andrew Pickens. The SC Railroad, intersection of Laurens St and Park Ave, Aiken. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The tracks of the SC Railroad, operated by the SC Canal and Railroad Company, ran here from 1833 to the 1850s. The original tracks ran along this street through Aiken, one of the first “railroad towns” in the United States. Wagener, Gunter St and Park St, Wagener. Established after the Blackville, Alston, & Newberry RR built its line from Blackville to Seivern in 1887-88. The area was originally known as Guntersville or Gunter’s Crossroads. When incorporated in 1888 it was renamed for George A. Wagener (1846-1908). Western Terminus, US 1 and US 25 at the Savannah River. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The western terminus of the SC Canal and Railroad Company railway stood near here. Zubly Cemetery, Old Jackson Hwy, Beech Island. Jackie Bartley, 706.833.3651. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This cemetery, which is over 200 years old, is the resting place of 18th century Swiss settlers and their descendants.
Private property. Open by appointment only.
ALLENDALE COUNTY
Antioch Christian Church, SC 3, two miles south of US 301. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Organized by Dr. and Mrs. W. R. Erwin and Mrs. U.M. Robert, this was the second Disciples of Christ Christian Church founded in South Carolina.
Barker’s Mill/Skirmish at Barker’s Mill,
SC 321, Sycamore vicinity. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Marks the site of Barker’s Mill and a nearby skirmish during the last months of the Civil War. Beech Branch Baptist Church, S-3104, Allendale. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Constituted in 1759 as Coosawhatchie Church, this church became Beech Branch Baptist Church in 1822. Bethel Baptist Church, 6486 Confederate Hwy, Fairfax. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The church has been a place of worship on this site since it was organized in 1851.
Bethlehem Church, Boundary St at the entrance to Fairfax Town Cemetery. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The church was organized by 1854. In 1944, the name was changed to First Baptist Church. Fairfax, Gazebo Park, 7th St W and Sumter Ave, Fairfax. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Chartered in 1893, the town grew out of an early community centered around Owens’ Crossroads. Gillette Methodist Church, intersection of Alleluia Rd and State Rd, Martin. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Gillette Methodist Church dates to the early 19th century. Early meetings were held under a brush arbor. The meeting house was erected by the Gilletts and later remodeled in 1910. Happy Home Baptist Church, 336 S-3-10, Allendale. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Founded after the Civil War in a brush arbor. The first permanent church was built in the Zion Branch community near Old Allendale. The church bought this site in 1875. In 1911, the church received a state charter and built the present church, a brick Gothic Revival building. Harmony Baptist Church, Harmony Church Rd, Sycamore vicinity. SC Hwy Historical Marker. This church had its origin in a brush arbor as early as 1830 but was formally organized in 1878. Old Allendale, southwest of Allendale at the intersection of Ashe Rd and Revolutionary Trl. SC Hwy Historical Marker. This was the original site of Allendale. Sherman’s troops under Gen. Kilpatrick camped here. The town was moved to its present site in 1873.
Old St Nicholas Cemetery, south side of SC 641, 1/4 mile east of Ulmer Rd. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The original cemetery associated with St. Nicholas Lutheran Church. Smyrna Baptist Church, SC 22, southwest of Allendale. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Organized in 1827 as Kirkland Church, the name was changed in 1836 to Smyrna Baptist Church. Title to the site was conveyed in 1849 by William I. Mixon. Speedwell Methodist Church, Speedwell Church Rd, Millett. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Founded in 1885, this church was named Speedwell for a stagecoach stop and the first post office in the vicinity, now Millett. Regular services ended by 1970, but homecomings are still occasionally held here. St Nicholas Church, intersection of SC 641 and S-3-40, 0.7 miles west of the Salkehatchie River. SC Hwy Historical Marker. This Lutheran church was organized by 1804 and has occupied several sites. Today’s structure was built in 1910. Swallow Savannah Cemetery, east side of Bluff Rd, just south of the Coosawhatchie River, Allendale. The Swallow Savannah Methodist Church had its beginnings here in a log house in 1815. The church was moved into town in 1875. The church members use the grounds as a burying ground today. Town of Allendale, in front of Allendale County Administration Building, 1296 S Main St, Allendale. SC Hwy Historical Marker. A 1000-acre land grant was conveyed to Benjamin and G. Washington Allen in 1810.
BAMBERG COUNTY
AT&T Building, 4659 Carolina Hwy, Denmark. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This Georgian Revival building was described as “the most modern telephone plant in the south” when it opened.
Battle of Rivers Bridge/Memorials at
Rivers Bridge, entrance of Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site, Ehrhardt vicinity. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Battle of Rivers Bridge- On February 2-3, 1865, here Confederate soldiers defended the Salkehatchie River for almost two days. Memorials at Rivers Bridge- In 1876, local men reburied the Confederate dead in a mass grave and formed the Rivers Bridge Confederate Memorial Association. They preserved the battlefield, deeding it in 1945 as Rivers Bridge State Park (now Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site). Buford’s Bridge, US 301/321 at the Salkehatchie River, Ulmer. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The earliest settlement in what is now Bamberg County. Carlisle Military School, S Carlisle St between Elm St and Green St, Bamberg. SC Hwy Historical Marker. The institution educated young men from the US and other countries until it closed in 1977. Denmark High School, 4599 Carolina Hwy, Denmark. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was used as a school until 1987.
denmarkhighschool.com
Holman’s Bridge, Holman’s Bridge Rd, Denmark vicinity. In 1801, John Holman constructed a bridge spanning the South Fork of the Edisto River. Rebuilt after the Civil War, the crossing remained in use into the 20th century. Mizpah Church, US 301 about one mile north of the Salkehatchie River. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The present building was erected in 1856 and was the only building left when Sherman completed his march through the area. Mountain Home Plantation, Ehrhardt Rd, Govan vicinity. SC Hwy Historical Marker. Established before the Civil War and named for the hill on which it is located. Built by Samuel J. Hartzog in 1859. Cotton was grown and processed here and hauled by wagon to the railroad at Graham’s Turn Out (now Denmark). Birth place of Henry Simms Hartzog, third President of Clemson College (now Clemson University).
