OVERVIEW
Additional Information
In 1785, the Ninety Six District was divided up and Edgefield County was formed. The town square was built up to include the county Court House, jail, stores, a tavern and houses. The economy grew around the cultivation of cotton. With prosperity came culture and education. Edgefield grew as a hotspot for law, politics, rhetoric and leadership.
Captain Daniel Bird Jr., also a native Virginian, and we believe a veteran of the War of 1812, moved to the area after the Revolutionary War. Initially living at Halcyon Grove on Buncombe Street, he later purchased land within a 1/2 mile of the courthouse to build what is now Oakley Park. Captain Bird became a wealthy cotton planter, also breeding fine race horses. His life was a mix of glory and tragedy. Eventually, he left Edgefield to begin a new life. What he has left behind is a truly beautiful relict of its time. The home has passed through several families; below is a timeline to the best of our knowledge:
1835 The house completed in 1835.
1842 Oakley Park was sold to Daniel’s wife, Behethland
The house was sold to Col. John R. Weaver (b. 1820 – d. 1874)
1846 Sold to Col. Marshall Fraser (b. 1806 – d. 1870)
1874 Sold to Gen. Martin Gary in 1874.
1881 The house is inherited by his niece, Ms. Mary Martin Gary. Mary lived there with her mother (Victoria died in 1917).
1934 Mary died in 1934 and the house and property were transferred to her brothers (oral information says she did not have a will). Former South Carolina Governor and nephew of Gen. Gary, John Gary Evans bought the property from the other brothers.
1941 March 12, 1941, Gov. Evans sold the property and home to the Town of Edgefield and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Mrs. Sophie Fair and husband, Warren moved in as caretakers. She was President of the Edgefield 1018 UDC for some 22 years.
The architecture is a unique combination of Federal and Neoclassical styles. A large double-height porch graces the front and one side of the home. Inside, the woodwork was finished by fine artisans of the time. Reception rooms on the first floor have gilt cornices, handsome drapes, and prism chandeliers, plaster ceiling medallions and carved mantels. The furniture collection contains pieces from between the late 19th and early 20th century.
On the grounds are a mid-20th century outhouse, a mid-19th century tenant/slave dwelling and the old well. At the well an estimated 108 members of Company D of the Palmetto Regiment, led by Captain Preston S. Brooks, met here before leaving for the Mexican War in 1846. Upon their return in 1848, there were only 28 men remaining.
In 1941, the home became a museum to the memory of Brigadier General Martin Witherspoon Gary, CSA, arguably the most influential leader of the Reconstruction movement in post-Civil War South Carolina. He was instrumental in supporting the election of Wade Hampton III for Governor in 1876. To read more, please see the online biography and additional information at the SC Encyclopedia website. We provide a neutral, professional historical perspective based on the facts of the period. It is American history.
Oakley Park house musuem is a privately owned 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to protect, preserve and promote a unique artifact of American history for all to immerse themselves in. The museum is currently able to remain open 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.
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.
The War of 1812
The Mexican-American War
Second Seminole War
The Nullification Crisis
Dave The Potter
The Civil War
Reconstruction & Revolt
Charleston-Hamburg Railroad
The Spanish-American War
Explore American history and the spirit of a young, new nation.
