Places

Explore American history and the spirit of a young, new nation. 

Captain Daniel Bird Jr., a native Virginian, moved to the area after the Revolutionary War. Initially living at Halcyon Grove on Buncombe Street, he later purchased land a mile from the courthouse to build what is now Oakley Park Museum, in 1835. Captain Bird became a wealthy cotton planter, also breeding fine race horses. His life was a mix of success and tragedy. In only a few years he left Edgefield to begin a new life in the territory of Florida. What he has left behind is a truly beautiful example of Neoclassical architecture.

Within the walls of Oakley Park are also stories of families who once called this mansion their home. These individuals lived through unprecedented challenges, dreamed of what America could become and bravely participated in creating the country we love. Immerse yourself in an earlier century and find inspiration in the art and ideals of early America. Topics covered in the collection include the following: War of 1820, Mexican-America War, Second Seminole War, Nullification Crisis, Dave the Potter, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Spanish-American War.

Oakley Park Museum 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 within. The museum is available for tours, meetings and private events. 

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