By Jason Barnette

A Revolutionary War Road Trip Through South Carolina's Thoroughbred Country

South Carolina's Thoroughbred Country gained a reputation as a "Winter Colony" in the 1900s. But before that, it was a frontier boundary during the Revolutionary War.

In 1828, a junction was built on the country’s first railroad.

branchville, sc

Go shopping at the Jim Harrison Gallery for  paintings on canvas.

denmark, sc

An important crossroads in the 1800s and exciting stop today.

Blackville, SC 

Get lunch at Miller's Bread Basket where you can select country fried food at a buffet.

Spend a night or two at the exquisite cabins in Barnwell State Park.

Read about the legend of the healing springs and fill your bottle.

god's acre healing springs

Visitors can fill water bottles at the springs with pipes bringing the water above ground, taking the supposedly restorative water on the road.

Founded in 1835 by William Aiken as the end of the railroad from Charleston.

aiken, sc

Stay at The Willcox, a boutique hotel built in 1898 featuring comfortable rooms, gas fireplaces, and an on-site restaurant.

And enjoy a touch of elegance perfect for traveling couples.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in the morning.

Or walk five minutes to La Parisienne for a French-inspired breakfast.

The Alley - a pedestrian-only thoroughfare - has plenty of options for dinner.

Whiskey Alley is a great choice for burgers and Aiken Brewing Company has cold craft beer.

Explore the museum at the 1931 "Winter Colony" mansion, Banksia.

aiken county museum

Learn about the city's time as the "Winter Colony."

Read about the local Revolutionary War skirmishes and people from the area who fought on both sides.

Visit the family cemetery and see the monument.

charles hammond house

See the gravesite of Colonel LeRoy Hammond and his son, Captain LeRoy Hammond.

A Revolutionary War Road Trip Through South Carolina's Thoroughbred Country.

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