Aiken, South Carolina

Aiken, South Carolina
City
The Aiken County Courthouse in August 2007
Nickname(s): The Thoroughbred

Location of Aiken, South Carolina
Coordinates: 33°32′58″N 81°43′14″W / 33.54944°N 81.72056°W / 33.54944; -81.72056Coordinates: 33°32′58″N 81°43′14″W / 33.54944°N 81.72056°W / 33.54944; -81.72056
Country  United States
State  South Carolina
County Aiken
Incorporated 1835
Government[1][2]
 • Type Council-manager
 • Mayor Rick Osbon[3]
 • City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh
Area
 • Total 20.8 sq mi (54.0 km2)
 • Land 20.7 sq mi (53.6 km2)
 • Water 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km2)
Elevation 515 ft (157 m)
Population (2010)
 • Total 29,828
 • Density 1,427/sq mi (550.8/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
Area code(s) 803
FIPS code 45-00550[4]
GNIS feature ID 1244853[5]
Website www.cityofaikensc.gov

Aiken is the largest city and county seat of Aiken County, in the western portion of the state of South Carolina, United States.[6][7] With Augusta, Georgia, it is one of the two largest cities of the Central Savannah River Area. It is part of the Augusta-Richmond County Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Founded in 1835, it was named after William Aiken, the president of the South Carolina Railroad. It became part of Aiken County when the county was formed in 1871 from parts of Orangeburg, Lexington, Edgefield, and Barnwell counties.

Aiken is home to the University of South Carolina Aiken. The population was 30,296 at the 2013 census.[8] Aiken was recognized with the All-America City Award in 1997 by the National Civic League.

Geography and climate

Aiken is located at 33°32′58″N 81°43′14″W / 33.54944°N 81.72056°W / 33.54944; -81.72056 (33.549397, -81.720689),[9] near the center of Aiken County. It is 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Augusta, Georgia, along U.S. Route 1 and 78. Interstate 20 passes 6 miles (10 km) to the north of the city, with access via South Carolina Highway 19 (Exit 18) and US 1 (Exit 22).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.8 square miles (54.0 km2), of which 20.7 square miles (53.6 km2) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km2), or 0.68%, is water.[10]

Aiken has a humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters, but experiences milder temperatures throughout the year than the rest of the state. Precipitation is distributed relatively uniformly throughout the year, with mostly rain in the milder months and occasional snow in the winter. The coldest recorded temperature was −4 °F or −20 °C on January 21, 1985 and the hottest 109 °F or 42.8 °C on August 21, 1983.

Climate data for Aiken, South Carolina
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 82
(28)		 88
(31)		 89
(32)		 99
(37)		 101
(38)		 108
(42)		 108
(42)		 109
(43)		 100
(38)		 99
(37)		 88
(31)		 83
(28)		 109
(43)
Average high °F (°C) 55
(13)		 60
(16)		 68
(20)		 76
(24)		 84
(29)		 90
(32)		 92
(33)		 91
(33)		 85
(29)		 76
(24)		 67
(19)		 59
(15)		 75
(24)
Average low °F (°C) 33
(1)		 36
(2)		 42
(6)		 51
(11)		 60
(16)		 68
(20)		 72
(22)		 71
(22)		 64
(18)		 52
(11)		 42
(6)		 35
(2)		 52
(11)
Record low °F (°C) −4
(−20)		 9
(−13)		 13
(−11)		 21
(−6)		 34
(1)		 42
(6)		 51
(11)		 52
(11)		 37
(3)		 25
(−4)		 11
(−12)		 5
(−15)		 −4
(−20)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 4.74
(120.4)		 4.36
(110.7)		 4.86
(123.4)		 3.11
(79)		 3.83
(97.3)		 5.46
(138.7)		 5.10
(129.5)		 5.25
(133.4)		 3.80
(96.5)		 3.38
(85.9)		 3.64
(92.5)		 3.78
(96)		 51.31
(1,303.3)
Source: The Weather Channel[11]

Highways

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18801,817—
18902,36230.0%
19003,41444.5%
19103,91114.6%
19204,1034.9%
19306,03347.0%
19406,1682.2%
19507,08314.8%
196011,24358.7%
197013,43619.5%
198014,97811.5%
199019,87232.7%
200025,33727.5%
201029,56616.7%
Est. 201630,104[12]1.8%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the census[4] of 2010, there were 29,524 people and 12,773 households with a population density was 1,416.3 people per square mile (604.6/km²). There were 14,162 housing units at an average density of 703.1 per square mile (271.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 66.8% White, 28.5% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 1.28% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.6% of the population.

There were 10,287 households out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out with 23.2% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $49,100, and the median income for a family was $63,520. Males had a median income of $51,988 versus $28,009 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,129. About 10.1% of families and 14.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.0% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Aiken is governed via a mayor-council system. A mayor is elected at-large. The city council consists of six members. All six members are elected from single member districts.

History

The municipality of Aiken was incorporated on December 19, 1835. The community formed around the terminus of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company, a rail line from Charleston to the Savannah River, and was named for William Aiken, the railroad's first president.

Originally it was in the Edgefield District. With population increases, in 1871 Aiken County was organized, made up of parts of neighboring counties. Among its founding commissioners were three African-American legislators: Prince Rivers; Samuel J. Lee, speaker of the state House and the first black man admitted to the South Carolina Bar; and Charles D. Hayne, a free man of color from one of Charleston's elite families.[13]

Aiken was a planned town, and many of the streets in the historic district are named for other cities and counties in South Carolina, including Abbeville, Barnwell, Beaufort, Chesterfield, Colleton, Columbia, Dillon, Edgefield, Edisto, Fairfield, Florence, Greenville, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens, Marion, Marlboro, McCormick, Newberry, Orangeburg, Pendleton, Pickens, Richland, Sumter, Union, Williamsburg and York.

In the late 19th century, Aiken gained fame as a wintering spot for wealthy people from the Northeast. The Aiken Winter Colony was established by Thomas Hitchcock, Sr. and William C. Whitney. Over the years Aiken became a winter home for many famous and notable people including George H. Bostwick, James B. Eustis, Madeleine Astor, William Kissam Vanderbilt, Eugene Grace, president of Bethlehem Steel, Allan Pinkerton, and W. Averell Harriman.

Savannah River Plant

The selection of a site near Aiken by the United States Atomic Energy Commission to build a plant to produce fuel for thermonuclear weapons was announced on November 30, 1950. Residences and businesses at Ellenton, South Carolina were bought for use for the plant site. Residents were moved to New Ellenton, which was constructed about eight miles north, or to the several neighboring towns.

The site was named the Savannah River Plant (subsequently renamed the Savannah River Site in 1989). The facility contains five production reactors, fuel fabrication facilities, a research laboratory, heavy water production facilities, two fuel reprocessing facilities and tritium recovery facilities.

Historic places

Education

Schools

Public schools:

Private schools:

  • Aiken Christian School
  • Mead Hall Episcopal School
  • Palmetto Academy Day School
  • St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School
  • Second Baptist Christian Preparatory School
  • South Aiken Baptist Christian School

Charter schools:

Colleges and universities

Steeplechase racing

The Aiken Steeplechase Association[17] founded in 1930, hosts the Imperial Cup each March and the Holiday Cup in October, both of which are steeplechase races sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association. This event draws more than 30,000 spectators.

The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1977 as a tribute to the famous flat racing and steeplechase Thoroughbred horses that were trained at the Aiken Training Track.[18]

Other events

Aiken hosts many polo matches at the numerous polo fields located in the city. Other local events include:

  • Aiken Triple Crown
  • Aiken's Makin'
  • Battle of Aiken Reenactment
  • Bluegrass Festival
  • Fall Steeplechase
  • Hops & Hogs
  • The Lobster Races
  • Western Carolina State Fair
  • The Whiskey Road Race
  • Aiken City Limits (ACL)

Attractions

  • Aiken Center for Arts - Hosts educational classes, fine arts gallery, and exhibition opportunities.
  • Aiken County Farmers Market - The oldest food market in South Carolina.
  • Aiken County Historical Museum - A living museum, also known as "Banksia" after the banksia rose, displays special exhibits of items from residents.
  • Aiken State Park
  • Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum - Displays the area's rich thoroughbred history with memorabilia, photography, and trophies.
  • Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum - The railroad depot is located on the second floor and had nine dioramas depicting railroad history.
  • Center for African American History, Art and Culture - Hosts special events of African American history.
  • DuPont Planetarium and RPSEC Observatory - Provides live presentations of stars, constellation, and visible planets.
  • Hitchcock Woods-One of the largest urban forests in the United States, at 2100 acres. Provides hiking, walking and equestrian trails.[19]
  • Juilliard in Aiken - Live artistic performances, classes, lectures, and workshops.
  • Redcliffe Plantation State Historic - slaves and owners lives depicted.
  • Rose Hill Estate - Historic housing for overnight stay, weddings, reunions, meetings, and dinner parties.

Notable people

In the late 19th century and the first part of the 20th century, Aiken served as a winter playground for many of the country's wealthiest families, such as the Vanderbilts, Bostwicks, and the Whitneys.

The Southside

The Southside is the southern area of the city of Aiken, which strongly increased in development after the construction of the Savannah River Site. It now serves as the premiere shopping district in Aiken County, being the location of the Aiken Mall, multiple retail stores, and several restaurants. Two large residential communities, Houndslake Country Club and Woodside Plantation, have multiple golf courses within the communities. Many newcomers take up residence in either Houndslake or Woodside; however, the most prestigious homes are located in historic downtown Aiken.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Home - City of Aiken Government, South Carolina".
  2. ↑ "Home - City of Aiken Government, South Carolina".
  3. ↑ "The City of Aiken". Retrieved 25 February 2015.
  4. 1 2 "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 2013-09-11. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  5. ↑ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  6. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-07-01. Retrieved 2014-03-19.
  7. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on 2011-05-31. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  8. ↑ "Geographic Identifiers: 2013 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Aiken city, South Carolina". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  9. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  10. ↑ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Aiken city, South Carolina". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  11. ↑ "Average Weather for Aiken, SC – Temperature and Precipitation". Retrieved Nov 26, 2011.
  12. ↑ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved June 9, 2017.
  13. ↑ Jim Nesbitt, "County, once booming, now shadows town it used to rival" Archived 2008-11-20 at the Wayback Machine., Augusta Chronicle, 16 February 2004
  14. ↑ "Hopelands Gardens". City of Aiken. Archived from the original on June 27, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  15. ↑ "Old Aiken Post Office transformed into SRNS Aiken headquarters" (PDF). Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  16. ↑ National Park Service (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  17. ↑ Aiken Steeplechase Association
  18. ↑ Aiken Training Track
  19. ↑ "Hitchcock Woods Foundation - Aiken, SC". www.hitchcockwoods.org. Retrieved 2018-07-03.
  20. ↑ Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607-1896. Chicago: Marquis Who's Who. 1963.
  21. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-02-05. Retrieved 2012-02-04.
  22. ↑ "History | Hitchcock Woods Foundation - Aiken, SC". www.hitchcockwoods.org. Retrieved 2018-07-03.
  23. ↑ http://www.scmovietheatres.com/aiken.htmlHerbert B. Ram, Movie Theater Builder.
  24. ↑ http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/20886Patricia Theater.
  25. ↑ http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/30475Rosemary Theater
  26. ↑ http://www.worldcat.org/title/memories-of-growing-up-and-living-in-aiken-south-carolina/oclc/767519324Riddick, A. (2011). Memories of Growing Up and Living in Aiken, South Carolina, Rocket Publishing: Aiken, SC, p. 305-307
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