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Aiken Rhett House

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Built by merchant John Robinson in 1818 and greatly expanded and redecorated by Governor and Mrs. William Aiken Jr. in the 1830s and 1850s, the property has survived virtually unaltered since 1858. As an intact "urban plantation," the Aiken-Rhett property speaks about the culture of early Charleston. Original outbuildings include the kitchens, slave quarters, stables, privies and cattle sheds; each offering glimpses of life in the nineteenth-century city.

A successful businessman, rice planter, distinguished politician and governor of South Carolina, William Aiken Jr. (1806-1887) was one of South Carolina's wealthiest citizens. Governor Aiken and his wife traveled in Europe and returned with crystal and bronze chandeliers, sculpture and paintings with which they furnished their mansion.

Remaining in the family until 1975, the Aiken-Rhett House has been owned by Historic Charleston Foundation since 1995.

The house is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Location: 48 Elizabeth St, Charleston South Carolina 29403 Telephone 843-723-1159

Other History nearby:
(Charleston) Aiken Rhett House
(Charleston) Avery Research Center
(Beaufort) Beaufort Museum
(Charleston) Best Friend Museum and Shop
(Walterboro) Bonnie Doone Plantation
(Charleston) Boone Hall

04/13 Coming to The Charleston area
Colleton County Rice Festival Walterboro SC April26-28 Rice Run-Walk, Dog Show, Open Car Show. Performance by Common Ground.
Seafoodfest on the River Savannah GA May3-5 There is something for everyone as the price points and medium are wonderfully varied. Also make sure you check out the hot new stuff up and down River Street in over one hundred shops, restaurants and pubs!
Glennville Sweet Onion Festival Glennville GA May11 Glennville's biggest annual event, the Glennville Sweet Onion Festival, has hosted over 35 years of events, and sunny skies have just about shone upon every one. The festive day on the second Saturday of each May celebrates the harvesting of the famous Vidalia sweet onion crop.
Spoleto Festival Charleston SC May24-June9 Spoleto Festival has firmly established itself as one of the world’s major arts festivals and as one of the most significant arts organizations in the Southeast.
Effingham Oktoberfest Effingham GA September27-28 The Effingham Oktoberfest is supported and organized by the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce. The Festival is free and open to the public and parking shuttles run continuously.