My friend Laura and I visited Hopelands gardens on 1/16/2021. The place was a farm purchased in 1897 by Mr. Oliver Iselin, a New York banker. Mr. and Mrs. Iselin built their winter home in Aiken. Mrs. Hope Goddard Iselin spent 70 years working on the garden turning it into a beautiful oasis with flowering trees, flowers and quiet meditation areas. Mrs. Iselin was known for her love of thoroughbred horses perhaps that is why a horse museum is now located on the property. When she passed at 102, Mrs. Iselin left the garden to the city of Aiken. There is a beautiful statue of her in the 14 acre garden which was opened to the public in 1969.

Reference Hopelands Gardens