Aiken-Rhett House – Charleston, South Carolina
South Carolina | SC Picture Project | Charleston County Photos | Aiken-Rhett House
This is the Aiken-Rhett House, located in Charleston, at 48 Elizabeth Street. It was taken by Conyers Bull of Mount Pleasant in 2006. This home has an unusual history because it remained in the same family for over 140 years.
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In 1817, it was built by Charleston merchant John Robinson, who later built Oak Grove Plantation in Orangeburg County.
In 1825, five of Robinson’s ships and their cargoes were captured and burned by the French. Although not legally liable for the cargoes of cotton and indigo, he felt obligated to repay the planters who lost their crops. In order to raise the necessary capital, he was forced to sell his home.
In 1827, William Aiken, Sr. purchased the property.
In 1975, it was donated to the Charleston Museum.
In 1995, it was purchased by the Historic Charleston Foundation. Today, it is open for tours.
See other historic homes in South Carolina.
4 Comments about Aiken-Rhett House
October 19th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
William Aiken was my father’s Great Uncle. Before my father, Eugene C. England, passed on March, 14 2009, I took him and my mother to the Aiken-Rhett home for a tour. Then I took them to the cemetery and found Governor Aiken’s grave. This meant a great deal to all of us and made us proud to be related to him and be residents of South Carolina – Rhonda Earney
October 20th, 2010 at 8:29 am
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story with all of us Rhonda! – SCIWAY
June 10th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
My fourth Great-Grandfather was John Robinson, of Pendleton, SC. He was the son of Alexander Robinson and they came to America in 1767 from England…landing in Charles Town, SC. John was a Captain in the Revolutionary War and was a drummer. I am seeking any information on the Patriot, John Robinson, Born 1755, Died 1810 that you might be able to pass along. Thanks so much!
August 3rd, 2011 at 4:09 pm
My fourth Great-Grandfather was Charleston merchant John Robinson. My wife and I visited Charleston last week and took a wonderful tour of the (Robinson) Aiken-Rhett House. We had the pleasure of meeting Brandy Culp, the curator of the museum house. It was a truly great experience…the staff of the museum as well as the staff of the Historic Charleston Foundation Gift Shop were so friendly and helpful. We look forward to visiting again!
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