Aiken-Rhett House Museum, Charleston (must see)

The Aiken-Rhett House stands out from other house museums, offering a captivating glimpse into the history and tastes of antebellum Charleston. Originally built in 1818 as a typical single house, it underwent significant transformations during the ownership of South Carolina's Governor William Aiken. Aiken, who resided here from 1833 to 1887, remodeled the house twice, first embracing the bold Greek Revival style in 1833 and then adopting the ornate Rococo Revival style in 1857.

What makes this building truly unique is its well-preserved, rather than restored, state. Much of the furnishings and personal belongings of Governor and Mrs. Aiken, including portraits, statuary, library volumes, and exquisite chandeliers from their European travels, remain in place. The interior provides an almost eerie sense of stepping back in time, where you can imagine historical figures like Jefferson Davis and Confederate General P. G. T. Beauregard as guests during pivotal moments of the Civil War.

One of the property's most striking features is its remarkably preserved slave quarters and outbuildings, providing a sobering glimpse into the realities of slavery and 19th-century Southern society. The contrast between the ornate horse stalls and the utilitarian slave quarters underscores the stark inequalities of the time.

Why You Should Visit:
The house's preservation rather than restoration offers a real sense of the lives of indentured individuals, the privileged world of the residents, and the impact of time, with the audio guide providing concise but informative context and details about daily life.

Tip:
Visit earlier in the day as it can get quite hot inside. You can borrow a handheld fan at the ticket desk if necessary.

Opening Hours (self-guided tours):
Daily: 10am–5pm (last tour: 4pm)