Abbeville County, South Carolina

Abbeville County Abbeville County Confederate Monument Abbeville County Courthouse (1908) Abbeville County Veterans Memorial Abbeville Opera House (1908) Abbeville Square Abbeville's Confederate Colonels Action at Pratt's Mill Angela Marlow Newton Bartlett Tucker Family Cemetery Belmont Inn (1903) Birthplace of Calhoun Boonesborough Township (1763) Bowie Bowie Family Memorial Broadmouth Baptist Church Bryson College Memorial Burt-Stark House / Jefferson Davis’s Flight Calhoun Falls World War I and II Veterans Monument Camp-Walker Plaza Clarence E. Pressley Colonial Block House/Fort Pickens Conservation Cabin Constitution Tree Due West Erskine College First Burial in Long Cane Cemetery First Secession Meeting Boulder First Secession Meeting Columns Forest Lawn Memory Gardens Veterans Monument Fort Pickens Harbison College President's Home Harpers Ferry Drowning Henry McNeal Turner Humane Society Alliance Fountain (1912) John Callaham - Zachariah Carwile Memorial Lebanon Presbyterian Church Long Cane Cemetery Lowndesville Lowndesville Veterans Monument Maj. Thomas D. Howie Major Thomas Dry Howie Marie Cromer Seigler Marilyn Anne McKinney McGowan-Barksdale-Bundy House Millwood Old Bank Building (ca. 1865) Olin D. Johnston Memorial Boulevard Operation Desert Shield / Storm Monument Parsons Mountain Parsons Mountain World War II Memorial Patrick Calhoun Burial Grounds Quay-Wardlaw House Rev. J.I. Bonner Monument Richard B. Russell Dam Secession Hill Southside Baptist Church Templeton-Drake Cabin ca. 1764 The Bundy-Barksdale-McGowan House The Donalds Grange No. 497 The Last Meeting of the Confederate States Cabinet The Law Offices of John C. Calhoun The Lynching of Anthony Crawford / Racial Violence in South Carolina The Old Livery Stable This Water Fountain Thomas Chiles Perrin House Treaty of DeWitt's Corner Trinity Episcopal Church W.D. Nixon Bridge Welcome to Calhoun Falls State Recreation Area William Bartram Trail William Moffatt Grier "Big Bob"
Abbeville County, South Carolina, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek nations. European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, and Abbeville County was officially established in 1785. It was named after the French town of Abbeville, possibly due to its resemblance to the area's lush landscapes.

Throughout the early 19th century, Abbeville County played a significant role in South Carolina's economy, known for its fertile farmlands and booming cotton industry. It also became a hotbed of political activities during this time, particularly during the Nullification Crisis in the 1830s. Abbeville was one of the strongholds of the Nullification movement, which aimed to resist federal tariffs. The Nullification Convention of 1832, held in the town, resulted in the drafting of the Ordinance of Nullification, which challenged federal authority and asserted states' rights.

During the Civil War, Abbeville County was greatly affected by the conflict. As the war progressed, many plantation owners saw their properties devastated and enslaved individuals gained their freedom. Abbeville County also witnessed several significant events during the war, such as the Battle of Abbeville Court House in 1864, which resulted in Union troops burning the county seat.

In the years following the war, Abbeville County experienced a period of recovery and reconstruction. The economy shifted away from agriculture, diversifying into other industries such as textiles and manufacturing. The county also played a role in the civil rights movement, with the landmark Briggs v. Elliott case originating in Abbeville County. The case ultimately served as a precursor to the historic Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Today, Abbeville County is known for its charming small towns, picturesque landscapes, and a rich historical heritage. With a blend of agricultural tradition and a burgeoning tourism industry, the county continues to evolve while honoring its significant past.
Brief timeline of the history of Abbeville County, South Carolina:

  • 1760: Abbeville County is established as part of Ninety-Six District in South Carolina.
  • 1780-1781: Abbeville County is heavily impacted by the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1785: The town of Abbeville is officially chartered.
  • 1791: Abbeville County becomes part of the new state of South Carolina.
  • 1822: Abbeville County plays a role in the Nullification Crisis, a conflict between the state and federal government over tariffs.
  • 1860s: Abbeville County is affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1872: Abbeville County experiences economic growth with the arrival of the Greenville and Columbia Railroad.
  • 1898-1900: Abbeville County witnesses the rise of the Populist Party and the implementation of reforms.
  • 1950s: Abbeville County undergoes racial tensions and civil rights movement.
  • 2018: Abbeville County celebrates its 250th anniversary.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Abbeville County, South Carolina.