Aiken, William, House and Associated Railroad Structures

National Register Listing

Street Address:

456 King St., Charleston, SC (Charleston County)

Alternate Name:

William Aiken House

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817710007

Description and Narrative:

The William Aiken House and Associated Railroad Structures are nationally significant for their role in the development of the railroad industry in the United States. The railroad structures represent the best extant collection of antebellum railroad structures illustrating the development of an early railroad terminal facility. These buildings were constructed as the need for them developed. The Aiken House was the residence of William Aiken, Sr., who had a major role in the creation of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company and served as its first president. This railroad company was the first to use steam from the beginning of its operations, the first to use an American made locomotive and the first to carry the State’s mail. In addition to the original house (ca. 1807) built in the Adam tradition, the associated structures include the Camden Depot (ca. 1850), Deans Warehouse (ca. 1856), South Carolina Railroad Warehouse (ca. 1857), Tower Passenger Depot (ca. 1850), Line Street Car and Carpenter Shops (ca. 1857), the railroad right-of-way, and the “Best Friend of Charleston” steam locomotive Replica (ca. 1928). Listed in the National Register October 15, 1966; Designated a National Historic Landmark November 4, 1963.

Period of Significance:

1811;circa 1830 – 1860;19th century

Level of Significance:

National

Area of Significance:

Transportation;Engineering

National Register Determination:

National Historic Landmark

Date of Certification:

October 15 1966

Date of Certification as a National Historic Landmark:

January 9 1964

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