Welcome to Camden Tower Courtyard. The two towers that flank this entrance and the two former warehouses along the walkway are associated with Camden Depot, built in the 1850s. The former depot is part of the William Aiken House and Associated Railroad Structures National Historic Landmark. The landmark includes some of the best extant antebellum buildings associated with early railroad development in the South.

The most distinct features of Camden Depot are the tiered crenelated towers that front Ann Street. The crenelations or battlements create the look of a medieval fort or castle. The towers are made of stone and are typical of the Gothic Revival style. Gothic Revival is an architectural term that refers to the revival of building styles from the Middle Ages in Europe. It was popular in the United States from the 1830s until the 20th century, particularly for churches and educational buildings. It is this style that makes Camden Depot unique. Gothic Revival was an uncommon architectural design for railroad buildings.

The railroad ran down the center of this courtyard. If you look closely at the bricks, you can see they are laid in a pattern to recreate the tracks. On either side of the tracks are two former warehouses. The original buildings constructed in 1850 were wooden. The current brick and metal buildings were built in 1910. The warehouses were used for storing and moving goods.

More information about Camden Depot and the South Carolina Canal 7 Rail Road Company is presented at several locations along the courtyard. An alternative version of the text is available at the Visitors Center.

"An intelligent, prosperous, and enterprising people are never long in embracing any system, which will be highly beneficial to their interests." Ellias Horry, 1833.

These photos of Camden Depot were taken in 1969 prior to its restoration. Above is a portion of A Bird's Eye View of Charleston drawn in 1874. Look for the depot. (All images courtesy of the Library of Congress.)

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Show me all markers in:  Charleston, SC  |  Charleston County  |  29403  |  South Carolina  |  United States of America

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William Aiken House
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