A place like no other near Charleston in South Carolina
The Aiken-Rhett House Museum is often praised for its distinctive and informative nature, offering valuable insights into life in 19th century Charleston. Constructed in the early 1800s and later expanded during the 1830s and 1850s by Gov. William Aiken Jr. and his wife, the museum diligently retains much of its original architectural charm.
Before you take a tour of the house, it’s worth spending some time exploring the surrounding grounds. Here, you’ll find the stables, kitchens, and slave quarters. These quarters, with their original paint and flooring, have been preserved over the years to show the difficult living conditions endured by at least 14 of the enslaved workers on the property. Previous visitors have found it helpful to see the quarters before exploring the rest of the house, as it provides a deeper understanding of how the entire estate functioned.