Aiken was known as the Winter Colony and remained a haven for horse lovers in the late 1800s. During this period, wealthy Northerners such as the Whitneys, Vanderbilts and Astors had begun to discover the town and its climate as perfect for their horse’s hooves. The warm dry air and the pure spring waters lured many to this place as a health resort of sorts. Even Thomas Hitchcock is known to have wintered here. He also established with the Whitney’s the Hitchcock Woods.

Impact of Winter Colony on Aiken

Years after wealthy Northerners made South Carolina their personal playground, these pieces of land remain jewels of modern Aiken. They have blessed the colony with hundreds of miles of trails which are ideal for equestrians, carriage drivers and walkers as well. A number of Aiken-based hunts use the woods. The wide and narrow trails and streams offer great sights and these areas have a great story behind it. Today you can visit the trails of Rabbit Valley, Mr. Fletcher’s Ride, Pigeon Trap Loop, Poke Berry. Cathedral Aisle is a wide, picturesque trail which was once a part of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company’s route from Hamburg to Charleston.

The erstwhile winter colony, its sporting ways and grand mansions have cast a spell over its present day life and its influences can be noticed even to this day. The age of elegance during which wealthy built sprawling mansions and equestrian playgrounds had turned this town into paradise for anyone looking for a leisurely haven. In the past, the Aiken County Historical Museum has held a number of lecture series and tour on this age of elegance which has lent the community its distinctive character.

The southwestern part of Aiken has a number of large estates which are located along roads lined by trees offering great views. These roads have never been paved in reverence to the horses which were an integral part of the winter colony. Apart from the estates, this area also consists of golf courses, polo fields and the renowned Hitchcock Woods which includes over 1400 acres of fields and pine forests.

Explore South Carolina Heritage

The extensive role that South Carolina has played in shaping the nation can only be experienced by visiting the number of historic sites which dot this state. Over 1,200 historic sites in South Carolina are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and these include military sites, museums and synagogues.

Explore the rich heritage and history of Aiken South Carolina and see all of the great historic sites Aiken City and County have to offer. You can find out more about more about South Carolina travel and discover great things to do in Aiken for the whole family at AikenIs.com.