The Aiken-Rhett House is the most intact townhouse complex that showcases Charleston?s urban life. It was constructed in 1818 and in the 1830?s and 1850?s, it was greatly expanded by Gov. and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. The house stood unchanged since 1858.

Its original owner, William Aiken, Jr., was a distinguished politician and governor. He was one of the wealthiest citizens of the state. Aiken and his wife, Harriet Lowndes Aiken, traveled around Europe and returned home with splendid fine art and furnishings. Today, these objects can still be found in the rooms they originally stood in. The house remained within the Aiken family until 1975. It is now owned by the Historic Charleston Foundation since 1995.

The House, containing 12 rooms, also has large cellars and storerooms. Its piazzas and fences are made of cypress and cedar.