Built between 1807 and 1811, the east wing was added after 1831. Residence of William Aiken, first president (1828-1831) of the South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company. This company inaugurated theAmerican steam railroad era at Charleston, Christmas day, 1830, by using for the first time on this continent a steam locomotive in regular service to pull a train of cars on a track. It also was the first in this country to carry the mail. The property was inherited by Governor William Aiken, Jr., who sold it in 1863 to the South Carolina Railroad Company, which later became a part of the Southern Railway System.
Approved by the
Historical Commission of Charleston, S.C.
(Lower Plaque)
The William Aiken House
Has been designated a
Registered National
Historic Landmark
under the provisions of the
Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935
This site possesses exceptional value
in commemorating and illustrating
the history of the United States.
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
1964
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