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Discover South Carolina history with guided MUSEUM tours.

Discover South Carolina history with guided MUSEUM tours.Discover South Carolina history with guided MUSEUM tours.Discover South Carolina history with guided MUSEUM tours.

Immerse yourself in an earlier century at Oakley Park through a history museum guided tour to learn about the town of Edgefield's history and South Carolina History.

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(803) 637 - 4027

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nonprofit

our mission

nonprofit

  Oakley Park Museum is a privately owned 501(c)(3) organization. The museum is currently available for public tours and events thanks to the devoted volunteers and generosity of individuals. Please consider supporting the maintenance of this fine house museum as a valuable element of South Carolina history. 

The House

our mission

nonprofit

  Daniel Bird Jr., a native Virginian, moved to the area after the Revolutionary War.  He likely served in the War of 1812. Initially living at Halcyon Grove on Buncombe Street, he also owned property in the territory of Florida and briefly moved there before returning to build Oakley Park. The house, completed in 1835, celebrates 190 yea

  Daniel Bird Jr., a native Virginian, moved to the area after the Revolutionary War.  He likely served in the War of 1812. Initially living at Halcyon Grove on Buncombe Street, he also owned property in the territory of Florida and briefly moved there before returning to build Oakley Park. The house, completed in 1835, celebrates 190 years in 2025 In addition to serving as Edgefield’s Clerk of Court, Bird became a wealthy cotton planter, owning various properties in the district for agriculture, also breeding race horses and successfully growing citrus.Several families lived in the home after Mr. Bird.

 

After the Civil War, C.S.A Gen. Martin W. Gary purchased the house and the building is a shrine to his memory, as he lead the campaign to overthrow Reconstruction government in South Carolina. Touring the home allows you to experience a truly beautiful relict of its time. The history museum guided tours enlighten visitors about South Carolina and local Edgefield history.

our mission

our mission

our mission

 Our mission is to protect, preserve and promote a unique artifact of American history, the life of Gen. Martin W. Gary, and other owners of the home, 19th an early 20th century furniture and artwork, and local culture for all to immerse themselves in.   Explore American history and the spirit of a young, new nation.  Within the walls of 

 Our mission is to protect, preserve and promote a unique artifact of American history, the life of Gen. Martin W. Gary, and other owners of the home, 19th an early 20th century furniture and artwork, and local culture for all to immerse themselves in.   Explore American history and the spirit of a young, new nation.  Within the walls of Oakley Park are stories of individuals who lived through unprecedented challenges, dreamed of what America could become and bravely  participated in creating the country we love. Edgefield District was established in 1785. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at (803) 637-4027 if you cannot find an answer to your question.

The Edgefield County Historical Society has a wonderful website:  https://www.historicedgefield.com/historic-homes-and-sites


Edgefield has the most complete collection of county records, next to Charleston, in the state of South Carolina. Visit the county archives:  https://www.exploreedgefield.com/place/edgefield-county-archives-history


The Old Edgefield Genealogical Society houses records on more than 2,000 surnames, county history, and additional topical history. Visit the Tompkins Library on the town square. https://www.oedgs.org/index.html#/


Call the town welcome center located in Tompkins Library (803) 637-4010 . First visit the website to see what group tours are listed: https://www.exploreedgefield.com/tours.html 


The Edgefield Discovery Center, and the Phoenix pottery:  https://discoversouthcarolina.com/products/26175   

https://discoversouthcarolina.com/products/1919


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