Thoroughbred Country South Carolina for History Buffs
Experience four beautiful counties in western South Carolina where yesterday is preserved for today. History from every American era is evident throughout this region known as Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina. Come explore Civil War battle sites and historic plantation homes. Visit our small, quaint towns where you will find museums rich with history and local culture. Discover churches of the past and stories of the Charleston to Hamburg rail line.
Whether you’re interested in railroad history, equestrian legends or unique South Carolina places of historical significance, Thoroughbred Country has a lot to offer.
We invite you to enjoy rich history and make memories of your own at these spots.
Aiken’s Historic Downtown – Aiken, Aiken County
AT&T Building – Denmark, Bamberg County
Barker’s Mill/Skirmish at Barker’s Mill – Sycamore, Allendale
Barnwell County Courthouse & Sundial – Barnwell, Barnwell County
Battle of Aiken – Aiken, Aiken County
Battle of John’s Town Memorial – Salley, Aiken County
Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site – Ehrhardt, Bamberg County
Beech Island Historical Society Visitors Center – Beech Island, Aiken County
Church of the Holy Apostles – Barnwell, Barnwell County
Confederate Cavalrymen – St Thaddeus Church Cemetery – Aiken, Aiken County
God’s Acre Healing Springs – Blackville, Barnwell County
Greg Humphries Rare Book Library – Wagener, Aiken County
Hamburg – North Augusta, Aiken County
Living History Park – North Augusta, Aiken County
Mennonite Community – Blackville, Barnwell County
Miss Arnold’s Schoolhouse – Allendale, Allendale County
Mizpah Church – Bamberg, Bamberg County
Morris Ford Earthworks – Barnwell, Barnwell County
Old Simmons Family Burying Ground – Bamberg, Bamberg County
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site – Beech Island, Aiken County
Silver Bluff Baptist Church – Beech Island, Aiken County
Site of Ellenton – Jackson, Aiken County
St. Thaddeus Church & Cemetery – Aiken, Aiken County
The SC Railroad Marker – Aiken, Aiken County
Tours
Aiken Trolley Tour – Historic homes and churches; equestrian sites; the Battle of Aiken; and more.
Beech Island Historical Society Guided Tours – Tours of historic Beech Island and Zubly Cemetery.
Blackville Historic Tours – Guided tours of Blackville and the surrounding area.
Pedego Electric Bikes – Schedule a History Homes and Horses experience tour.
Tailored Tours of Aiken – Tailor a tour to your interests. Ghost tours available year-round.
Museums
Aiken County Historical Museum – Aiken, Aiken County
Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame - Aiken, Aiken County
Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum – Aiken, Aiken County
Barnwell County Museum – Barnwell, Barnwell County
Blackville Heritage Museum – Blackville, Barnwell County
Savannah River Site Museum – Aiken, Aiken County
Wagener Museum – Wagener, Aiken County
Williston Museum – Williston, Barnwell County
Lodging
Carriage House Inn c.1872 – Aiken, Aiken County
Lookaway Inn – North Augusta, Aiken County
The Willcox – Aiken, Aiken County
Wisteria Cottage Bed & Breakfast – Blackville, Barnwell County
All history buffs are encouraged to visit the ‘Historical Places’ section of our digital Visitor Guide. Here you will find more historic churches, cemeteries and markers to add to your next visit.
