Aiken Rhett House

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.

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