The Gaston Livery Stable was a full-service livery. It is significant for its role in the city’s turn-of-the-century transportation industry and is notable in equine and agricultural history. 

 

 The original Barn was built of wood circa 1893. After burning to the ground in 1909, it was rebuilt with brick. It was substantially damaged by additional fires in 1911 and 1915 and repaired each time, resulting in the structure present today. 

 

 The property is identified with the family of D.W. Gaston, Sr., who acquired it in 1909. He operated the livery with his son, D.W. Gaston, Jr., until 1932. The business provided important services for year-round Aiken residents and members of the Winter Colony.

 

Architecturally, it is a notable example of barn design and construction. It is a two-and-a-half story, 10,000-square-foot, all brick, U-shaped building. The design is Eclectic Victorian with a symmetrical floor plan and a one-story porte-cochere (as seen from Richland Avenue East).

 

 A significant interior feature is the original, operational carriage lift that is symbolic of Victorian ingenuity and simple mechanics. The only operational lift in the USA that we know of, its function was and is to move carriages and equipment from ground level to the second floor. 

 

 The Gaston Livery Stable was designated as an Aiken historical landmark in 2012 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. Established in 2011, The Friends of the Gaston Livery Stable is a 501(c)(3) organization whose initial goals were to purchase, protect and restore the Barn. Since the inception of the project, there have been more than 28,500 volunteer hours including the services of four groups of officers from the 442nd Signal Battalion Leadership Course at Ft. Gordon. 

 

Generous cash donations from the entire community, donations of goods and services from local businesses and fundraising events have been instrumental in saving and restoring the Barn. 

 

The Barn is a historical legacy in Aiken providing tours, an educational facility, a living history venue, and event rental space (a meeting room and an event room) for the community. 

 

The Friends of the Gaston Livery Stable host Gaston Market Days, Gaston Unplugged music events, community events, and fundraising events.