Aiken Mile Track
Historic Property
Alternate Name:
Unknown
Street Address:
Banks Mill Road, Aiken, SC (Aiken County)
Site Number:
03_3415
Control Number:
R/03/3415
Date Surveyed:
February 4 2010
Category:
Site
Construction Date:
circa 1936
Alteration Date:
1937
Historic Use:
Recreation & Culture
Current Use:
Recreation & Culture
National Register Determination:
listed;
Signficant Architectural Features:
track was designed to train and race trotters. Around 1937, a turf track in the infield (middle track) was built for flat racing and hurdle racing. In 1938 another strip of turf was added for steeplechasing (center track) making the Mile Track capable of handling a diversified training and racing program. The Aiken Mile Track consists of three concentric tracks and eight contributing buildings. The center one-half mile track is used for training, the middle seven-eighths mile track is used for jogging and the outer mile track is used for training and racing. The entire track system is surrounded by a rail fence. Among the buildings included in the complex are a brick stable building, three frame stables, two grooms’ cottages, a barn, and a grandstand. Also included in the complex are four modern barns and a blacksmith shop..
Alterations:
Turf track added (middle) - 1937; center turf track added - 1938; construction of 4 modern barns & a blacksmith shop - late 20th C
Historical Information:
The Aiken Mile Track was constructed ca. 1936 by Ira Coward for Fred Post, Dunbar Bostwick, and Roland Harriman on the Hassler Polo Fields. The track was designed to train and race trotters. Around 1937, a turf track in the infield (middle track) was built for flat racing and hurdle racing. In 1938 another strip of turf was added for steeplechasing (center track) making the Mile Track capable of handling a diversified training and racing program. The Aiken Mile Track was the home of the Imperial Cup hurdle race first run in 1938. This property has been identified as being associated with the Aiken Winter Colony. The Aiken Mile Track is of exceptional importance to the Winter Colony theme because its construction between 1936 and 1938 added a new dimension to equestrian activity in Aiken. It was also instrumental in Aiken’s continuing success as a horse-training center during the Depression and during and after World War II. The Aiken Mile Track consists of three concentric tracks and eight contributing buildings. The center one-half mile track is used for training, the middle seven-eighths mile track is used for jogging and the outer mile track is used for training and racing. The entire track system is surrounded by a rail fence. Among the buildings included in the complex are a brick stable building, three frame stables, two grooms’ cottages, a barn, and a grandstand. Also included in the complex are four modern barns and a blacksmith shop. Listed in the National Register May 9, 1985.
Source of Historical Information:
http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/aiken/S10817702024/index.htm.
Survey:
City of Aiken Historic Resources Survey, Aiken County, South Carolina. May 2010
Quadrangle Name:
Aiken