National Register Listing

Willcox's

a.k.a. Willcox Inn, Willcox Hotel

Colleton Ave., Aiken, SC
Local significance of the building:
Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Audiobooks about the history of South Carolina.
South Carolina was a major center of the transatlantic slave trade. Charleston was one of the busiest ports for the importation of enslaved Africans in North America, with an estimated 40% of all enslaved Africans brought to the United States passing through the city.
South Carolina random facts
Aiken County, South Carolina has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek, before European settlers arrived. The first European settlers were mainly of Scotch-Irish and English descent, and they were granted land in the region by the British in the mid-18th century.

The county is named after William Aiken, a prominent railroad executive and South Carolina governor in the mid-19th century. Aiken County played a significant role in the Civil War, with several major battles and skirmishes taking place in the area. The Battle of Aiken, fought in February 1865, was a significant Confederate victory that helped delay the advance of Union forces.

After the war, Aiken County's economy transformed from primarily agricultural to focus on other industries such as textiles and manufacturing. The city of Aiken became a popular winter retreat for wealthy northerners, who came for its mild climate and equestrian activities. This led to the growth of the city's affluent Winter Colony, which included prominent figures such as Thomas Hitchcock and William C. Whitney.

In the 20th century, Aiken County continued to develop and diversify its economy. The Savannah River Site, a nuclear reservation, was established in the 1950s and became a major employer in the region. Today, Aiken County boasts a thriving economy with a mix of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. The county also retains its rich equestrian heritage and is known for hosting prestigious equestrian events such as the Aiken Steeplechase and the Aiken Trials.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Aiken County, South Carolina.

  • 1871 - Aiken County is formed from parts of Barnwell, Edgefield, Lexington, and Orangeburg counties.
  • 1875 - The town of Aiken is incorporated and becomes the county seat.
  • 1892 - Aiken becomes known as the "Winter Polo Capital of the World".
  • 1930s - The Savannah River Site, a nuclear reservation, is established in Aiken County.
  • 1941 - Camp Gordon Johnston, a World War II training camp, is built in Aiken County.
  • 1950s - The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission selects Aiken County as the site for the Savannah River Site nuclear facility.
  • 1989 - The Northside neighborhood in Aiken becomes part of the Aiken Downtown Historic District.
  • 2005 - Aiken County adopts a council-manager form of government.
  • 2019 - Aiken County celebrates its 150th anniversary.