Abbeville is a quaint small town in the upstate area of the state. Settled in 1758 and officially incorporated in 1832, its population totaled 4,802 residents as of 2020. It has the feel of Charleston, just on a much smaller scale. There are many historical landmarks in Abbeville to enjoy and explore.
City of Abbeville/Facebook In downtown Abbeville, you will find boutiques, restaurants, and charming 19th-century homes in addition to some of the area’s historical landmarks. Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
- Court Square
City of Abbeville/Facebook The heart of Abbeville’s Historic District is the magnificent, tree-shaded Court Square, which is itself one of the town’s historic landmarks and where some of the others are located. Court Square, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
- The Burt-Stark House
The Burt-Stark House Built in the 1830s in the Greek Revival style, The Burt-Stark Mansion is considered the architectural jewel of the town and is located at 400 North Main Street. It was here where the War between the States finally came to an end when Confederate President Jefferson Davis was convinced by his generals and cabinet that Southern resources were exhausted, and he determined that further attempts to fight would result in more harm than good. He conceded here at this site, “All is indeed lost.” Visit the Burt-Stark Mansion website for more information. Burt-Stark Mansion, 400 N Main St, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
- McGowan-Bundy-Barksdale House
Michael Miller/Google Reviews Located at 305 North Main Street, this was the home of Gen. Samuel McGowan from the time it was built until his death. He was a Confederate General who commanded the 14th S.C. Infantry from 1862-63 and a S.C. brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia from 1863-65 during the Civil War.In 1905, the Barksdale family bought the house, and WWII Gen. W.E. Barksdale was the last to live here. His nephew J.D. Bundy gave it to the Abbeville County Historical Society in 1989 for use as its headquarters. McGowan-Bundy-Barksdale House, 211 N Main St, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
- Henry McNeal Turner
Wikimedia
HMdb.org At the intersection of Henry M. Turner Street and Secession Avenue, a bicentennial marker was placed in memory of Henry McNeal Turner, who was a missionary pioneer to South Africa, a liberation theologian, social and political activist, the first black United States military chaplain, and a consecrated Twelfth Bishop for the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1880. He was actually born in Newberry but grew up in Abbeville. 34.177783, -82.37445
- Trinity Episcopal Church
Bill Fitzpatrick/Trinity Episcopal Church The oldest standing church in Abbeville, Trinity Episcopal Church was built from 1859-60 as preparations for war were being made. Its classic Gothic architecture and 125-foot steeple give it a commanding presence. The church still retains many of its original elements, including the organ, built in 1860 by John Baker of Charleston, and the bell in the tower, having survived Confederate requests to be melted down into cannon balls. Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 Church St, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
- Abbeville County Courthouse
Abbeville County Courthouse/Facebook Located on South Main Street in Court Square, the County Courthouse was dedicated in 1908. It is Abbeville’s sixth courthouse, designed in beaux arts classical style by Edwards & Walter of Atlanta.Interestingly, two of the prior structures had to be replaced due to deficiencies. The second building involved a case of workmen’s fraud, where it was found that kaolin had been used instead of lime in mortar. The third structure was found to have a sinking corner and was deemed unsafe because of cracks in the wall. Abbeville County Family Court, 102 Court Square, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
- The Belmont Inn
The Belmont Inn/Facebook Originally known in 1903 as “The Eureka,” this hotel is located on East Pickens Street just off Court Square. It was initially built to cater to “drummers” of the textile trade and had 30 rooms and a public bathroom. Banquet rooms were used to show their wares, and Curtain Call Lounge served as a barbershop. Touring theatre companies performing at the Opera House also stayed there during railway stopovers in the town. It was restored after closing for a period in the early 1970s and reopened in 1984 as “Belmont Inn,” a full-service hotel with 25 rooms. The Belmont Inn by OYO, 104 E Pickens St, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
- Abbeville Opera House
Michael Miller/Google Reviews Designated “State Rural Drama Theatre of South Carolina” in 2002, the Opera House is located on South Main Street and has a fascinating history. With a massive 7,500 square-foot stage, many well-known artists have appeared in 250 live performances staged by traveling companies.Types of performances vary, including dramas, minstrel shows, and vaudeville. In 1910, “moving pictures” were played weekly as well. Live theatre ended when “talkies” arrived in the late 1920s. The Opera House closed its doors in the early 1960s and was fully restored in 1968 by Abbeville Community Theatre, which brought live performances back year-round again. Abbeville Opera House, 100 Court Square #102, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
- The Livery Stable
City of Abbeville/Facebook The Livery Stable, 116 Trinity St, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
City of Abbeville/Facebook The original livery stable on this site was destroyed during a fire in 1872 that ravaged much of Abbeville’s downtown. It was a wooden structure, believed to have been built in the 1840s.The current brick and masonry structure was built in the late 1870s. The building was used as a warehouse for a number of decades after automobiles entered the scene. In 2002, the building was generously donated by Mrs. Margaret Flynn Bowie and the W.G. Bowie Trust to the City of Abbeville.
In 2010, it was renovated as a part of the Trinity Street Enhancement Project and is now used as a Special Event Venue.
These landmarks barely scratch the surface of all those available to explore in this charming small town of Abbeville. Visit the Abbeville County Historical Society website for much more information and a complete list.
City of Abbeville/Facebook
In downtown Abbeville, you will find boutiques, restaurants, and charming 19th-century homes in addition to some of the area’s historical landmarks.
Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
The heart of Abbeville’s Historic District is the magnificent, tree-shaded Court Square, which is itself one of the town’s historic landmarks and where some of the others are located.
Court Square, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
The Burt-Stark House
Built in the 1830s in the Greek Revival style, The Burt-Stark Mansion is considered the architectural jewel of the town and is located at 400 North Main Street. It was here where the War between the States finally came to an end when Confederate President Jefferson Davis was convinced by his generals and cabinet that Southern resources were exhausted, and he determined that further attempts to fight would result in more harm than good. He conceded here at this site, “All is indeed lost.” Visit the Burt-Stark Mansion website for more information.
Burt-Stark Mansion, 400 N Main St, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
Michael Miller/Google Reviews
Located at 305 North Main Street, this was the home of Gen. Samuel McGowan from the time it was built until his death. He was a Confederate General who commanded the 14th S.C. Infantry from 1862-63 and a S.C. brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia from 1863-65 during the Civil War.In 1905, the Barksdale family bought the house, and WWII Gen. W.E. Barksdale was the last to live here. His nephew J.D. Bundy gave it to the Abbeville County Historical Society in 1989 for use as its headquarters.
McGowan-Bundy-Barksdale House, 211 N Main St, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
Wikimedia
HMdb.org
At the intersection of Henry M. Turner Street and Secession Avenue, a bicentennial marker was placed in memory of Henry McNeal Turner, who was a missionary pioneer to South Africa, a liberation theologian, social and political activist, the first black United States military chaplain, and a consecrated Twelfth Bishop for the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1880. He was actually born in Newberry but grew up in Abbeville.
34.177783, -82.37445
Bill Fitzpatrick/Trinity Episcopal Church
The oldest standing church in Abbeville, Trinity Episcopal Church was built from 1859-60 as preparations for war were being made. Its classic Gothic architecture and 125-foot steeple give it a commanding presence. The church still retains many of its original elements, including the organ, built in 1860 by John Baker of Charleston, and the bell in the tower, having survived Confederate requests to be melted down into cannon balls.
Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 Church St, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
Abbeville County Courthouse/Facebook
Located on South Main Street in Court Square, the County Courthouse was dedicated in 1908. It is Abbeville’s sixth courthouse, designed in beaux arts classical style by Edwards & Walter of Atlanta.Interestingly, two of the prior structures had to be replaced due to deficiencies. The second building involved a case of workmen’s fraud, where it was found that kaolin had been used instead of lime in mortar. The third structure was found to have a sinking corner and was deemed unsafe because of cracks in the wall.
Abbeville County Family Court, 102 Court Square, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
The Belmont Inn/Facebook
Originally known in 1903 as “The Eureka,” this hotel is located on East Pickens Street just off Court Square. It was initially built to cater to “drummers” of the textile trade and had 30 rooms and a public bathroom. Banquet rooms were used to show their wares, and Curtain Call Lounge served as a barbershop. Touring theatre companies performing at the Opera House also stayed there during railway stopovers in the town. It was restored after closing for a period in the early 1970s and reopened in 1984 as “Belmont Inn,” a full-service hotel with 25 rooms.
The Belmont Inn by OYO, 104 E Pickens St, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
Designated “State Rural Drama Theatre of South Carolina” in 2002, the Opera House is located on South Main Street and has a fascinating history. With a massive 7,500 square-foot stage, many well-known artists have appeared in 250 live performances staged by traveling companies.Types of performances vary, including dramas, minstrel shows, and vaudeville. In 1910, “moving pictures” were played weekly as well. Live theatre ended when “talkies” arrived in the late 1920s. The Opera House closed its doors in the early 1960s and was fully restored in 1968 by Abbeville Community Theatre, which brought live performances back year-round again.
Abbeville Opera House, 100 Court Square #102, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
The Livery Stable, 116 Trinity St, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
The original livery stable on this site was destroyed during a fire in 1872 that ravaged much of Abbeville’s downtown. It was a wooden structure, believed to have been built in the 1840s.The current brick and masonry structure was built in the late 1870s. The building was used as a warehouse for a number of decades after automobiles entered the scene. In 2002, the building was generously donated by Mrs. Margaret Flynn Bowie and the W.G. Bowie Trust to the City of Abbeville.
In 2010, it was renovated as a part of the Trinity Street Enhancement Project and is now used as a Special Event Venue.
Which type of historical marker is your favorite? Please tell us in the comments below!
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