Aiken Mile Track, located in

Aiken, South Carolina Aiken is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Aiken County, in western South Carolina. It is one of the two largest cities of the Central Savannah River Area. Founded in 1835, Aiken was named after William Aiken, the president of the Sout ...

, was built around 1936 during the heart of the

Great Depression The Great Depression (19291939) was an economic shock that impacted most countries across the world. It was a period of economic depression that became evident after a major fall in stock prices in the United States. The economic contagio ...

. Horses and horse racing is known as the “sport of kings.” Within that context it is significant that such a track should be built during a time of nationwide double-digit unemployment, and noteworthy in the sense that it contributed to Aiken's success as an equestrian center and “Winter Colony” during those difficult days. The landmark consists of outbuildings as well, including numerous barns. It is an accessible landmark, no more than a few miles from downtown Aiken. Aiken Mile Track was listed in the

National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the United States federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance or "great artistic v ...

on May 9, 1985.

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External links

* Sports venues completed in 1936 Sports venues in Aiken County, South Carolina Horse racing venues in South Carolina National Register of Historic Places in Aiken County, South Carolina Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in South Carolina Sports venues on the National Register of Historic Places in South Carolina Buildings and structures in Aiken, South Carolina 1936 establishments in South Carolina {{SouthCarolina-sports-venue-stub