Abbeville County, located in the Piedmont region of South Carolina, is rich in history that stretches back to the early days of European settlement in the 18th century. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Cherokee, the area became home to Scots-Irish immigrants who established a robust agrarian community. Named after Abbeville, France, the county is known for its pivotal role in the American Revolution, its support for the Confederacy during the Civil War, and its enduring legacy as a Southern agricultural hub. Today, Abbeville is a treasure trove of historical sites that reflect its complex past.
Origins of Abbeville County
The history of Abbeville County begins in the mid-18th century when European settlers, primarily of Scots-Irish descent, began to move into the area. The settlers were attracted to the fertile land and abundant water sources provided by local rivers like the Savannah River. The county was officially created in 1785, named after the French town of Abbeville, which was the ancestral home of the Marquis de Lafayette, a hero of both the American and French Revolutions.
Early Settlement and the Revolutionary War
Abbeville’s early settlement period was marked by interactions with the local Cherokee tribes, who lived in the region for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. In the 1750s, conflict between settlers and Native Americans was common, as the increasing European presence led to skirmishes over land.
During the American Revolution, Abbeville County became a hotbed of activity, as many local residents took up arms against British forces. One of the most significant events in the county’s Revolutionary War history was the Battle of Long Cane in 1778. Although the skirmish ended in defeat for the local militia, the fierce resistance by Abbeville residents symbolized the determination of South Carolinians to win their independence from British rule.
Abbeville and the Civil War
Abbeville’s political and economic prominence continued through the early 19th century, but its most notable moment in U.S. history came during the Civil War. The county became a center for Confederate activity, with many local residents supporting secession. Abbeville’s role in the war culminated in a meeting in the city of Abbeville on November 10, 1860, where prominent South Carolina politicians advocated for the state’s secession from the Union. This meeting, often referred to as the “Birthplace of Secession,” was held at what is now known as Secession Hill.
In the final days of the war, Confederate President Jefferson Davis made his last official cabinet meeting in Abbeville on May 2, 1865, marking one of the final acts of the Confederate government before the dissolution of the Confederacy. This historical event gave Abbeville its nickname, “The Deathbed of the Confederacy.”
Post-War Reconstruction and Economic Shifts
The years following the Civil War were a time of great economic and social upheaval for Abbeville County. The end of slavery devastated the local agricultural economy, which had relied heavily on enslaved labor for cotton production. During Reconstruction, many freed African Americans continued to work as sharecroppers, but systemic racism, including the enforcement of Jim Crow laws, made it difficult for Black residents to gain full political or economic freedom.
Despite these challenges, Abbeville County slowly recovered. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region became known for its cotton production and textile mills, industries that dominated the local economy until the mid-20th century.
Key Historical Events in Abbeville County
Abbeville County has played a pivotal role in South Carolina’s history, with key events shaping both the state and the nation.
The Battle of Long Cane (1778)
The Battle of Long Cane was one of the first skirmishes between local militias and British forces during the Revolutionary War. The battle took place in a region known as Long Cane, near present-day Troy, South Carolina. Despite the militia’s defeat, the battle is remembered for its demonstration of local resistance to British occupation.
The Secession Meeting (1860)
One of the most significant events in the lead-up to the Civil War was the November 1860 meeting on Secession Hill in Abbeville, where local leaders formally endorsed South Carolina’s secession from the Union. This gathering was crucial in starting the cascade of secessionist actions across the Southern states, eventually leading to the Civil War.
Jefferson Davis’ Final Cabinet Meeting (1865)
Following the fall of Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate government was in disarray. Jefferson Davis fled south, and his final official meeting with his cabinet was held in Abbeville on May 2, 1865. This marked one of the last moments of the Confederacy as a functioning government, effectively ending the Southern rebellion.
Historical Sites in Abbeville County
Abbeville County is home to numerous historical sites that offer a glimpse into its rich and storied past. Many of these locations are open to the public, providing educational experiences and opportunities to explore the county’s history firsthand.
Secession Hill
Overview
Secession Hill, located in the town of Abbeville, is one of the most significant historical sites in the county. This hill is where the first public call for South Carolina’s secession from the Union was made in November 1860, setting off a chain of events that eventually led to the Civil War. A monument now marks the location of the meeting.
Location
Secession Hill is located on Greenville Street in Abbeville, South Carolina, just outside the downtown area.
Ticket Price
There is no admission fee to visit Secession Hill.
Parking Information
On-site parking is available for visitors, free of charge.
Burt-Stark Mansion
Overview
The Burt-Stark Mansion is one of the most famous antebellum homes in South Carolina. It was in this mansion that Jefferson Davis held his final meeting with the Confederate cabinet in May 1865, effectively marking the end of the Confederate States of America. The mansion is a well-preserved example of Greek Revival architecture and is a National Historic Landmark.
Location
400 North Main Street, Abbeville, South Carolina.
Ticket Price
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military, and $5 for children (ages 6-12). Children under 6 are free.
Parking Information
Free parking is available on the grounds of the mansion.
Abbeville Opera House
Overview
The Abbeville Opera House, built in 1908, is a beautifully restored historic theater that once hosted vaudeville shows and silent films. Today, it continues to be a vibrant cultural venue offering live performances and events. The Opera House is part of the Abbeville Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Location
100 Court Square, Abbeville, South Carolina.
Ticket Price
Ticket prices for events vary depending on the show, with most ranging between $15 and $30.
Parking Information
Street parking is available around the Court Square area, and there are public parking lots nearby.
Long Cane Massacre Site
Overview
The Long Cane Massacre Site commemorates the tragic event in 1760 when Cherokee warriors attacked a group of European settlers, killing several men, women, and children. The site is located near Troy, South Carolina, and serves as a reminder of the violent conflicts between Native Americans and settlers during the colonization of the region.
Location
The site is located off Long Cane Road, near Troy, South Carolina.
Ticket Price
There is no admission fee to visit the Long Cane Massacre Site.
Parking Information
Limited parking is available at the site, and it is recommended to park along the side of the road.
County Facts About Abbeville
Geography and Climate
Abbeville County is situated in the northwestern part of South Carolina, within the Piedmont region. The county spans 511 square miles, much of which consists of rolling hills and forests, with the Savannah River forming its western boundary. The area has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Summers often reach into the upper 80s to low 90s °F, while winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, making the region suitable for agriculture, especially cotton and timber production.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Year Founded: 1785
- County Seat: Abbeville
- Population: Approximately 24,500 (as of the 2020 census)
- Population Density: About 48 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Abbeville, Calhoun Falls, Due West
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 28, U.S. Route 72, South Carolina Highway 20
- Adjacent Counties: Greenwood County (east), Anderson County (north), McCormick County (south), Elbert County, Georgia (west)