Abbeville Opera House
Court Sq., Abbeville, SCAs well as being a plush reminder of the period when old Abbeville was the center of culture for this entire Piedmont district, the restored Abbeville Opera House provides a historic setting for a modern community theater that involves a wide surrounding area.
Restored and renovated in an exceptionally distinguished manner, the Opera House is a valuable memento of a colorful and typically American era. One of the very few such opera houses remaining in South Carolina, its value is increased both by the integrity of its restoration and its modern usage.
The Abbeville Opera House first opened in 1904 with a production of "The Clansman," and during the heyday of circuit theater, shows like "The Great Divide" and "Ben Hur" (with horses) played continuously. American theater's most prominent attractions -- such as the Ziegfield Follies, George White Scandals, Jimmy Durante, and Fannie Brice -- played here. For the traveling road companies, on the way from Richmond to Atlanta, Abbeville Opera House was a regular one-night stand. It was the only theater in the area which could accommodate elaborate productions. (Its companion, the Opera House in Columbia, was demolished long ago). Theatrical nights in Abbeville were gala, white-tie, and evening gown affairs; the Southern Railroad ran special trains to accommodate the hundreds of patrons who came from surrounding towns.
In addition to the theater, the Abbeville Opera House was a center for other major Abbeville events. According to local sources, William Jennings Bryan spoke from this stage during a campaign for President of the United States.
The Abbeville Opera House is now the home of the Abbeville Community Theater, which produced eight major shows during its first 1968-69 season in the building. Ranging from Shakespeare's "King Lear" to "Sound of Music," the year's roster included two productions from nearby colleges: Lander College in Greenwood and Erskine College in Due West. This indicates its district importance. The newly renovated facilities also enabled the Community Theater to host the American Community Theater Association Festival for the 10 Southeastern States in 1969. The American College Theater, also representing 10 southeastern states, will hold its Drama Festival there in January 1971.
The location of the Opera House on the Town's historic Court Square further solidifies its importance as part of Abbeville's heritage.
Local significance of the building:
Restored and renovated in an exceptionally distinguished manner, the Opera House is a valuable memento of a colorful and typically American era. One of the very few such opera houses remaining in South Carolina, its value is increased both by the integrity of its restoration and its modern usage.
The Abbeville Opera House first opened in 1904 with a production of "The Clansman," and during the heyday of circuit theater, shows like "The Great Divide" and "Ben Hur" (with horses) played continuously. American theater's most prominent attractions -- such as the Ziegfield Follies, George White Scandals, Jimmy Durante, and Fannie Brice -- played here. For the traveling road companies, on the way from Richmond to Atlanta, Abbeville Opera House was a regular one-night stand. It was the only theater in the area which could accommodate elaborate productions. (Its companion, the Opera House in Columbia, was demolished long ago). Theatrical nights in Abbeville were gala, white-tie, and evening gown affairs; the Southern Railroad ran special trains to accommodate the hundreds of patrons who came from surrounding towns.
In addition to the theater, the Abbeville Opera House was a center for other major Abbeville events. According to local sources, William Jennings Bryan spoke from this stage during a campaign for President of the United States.
The Abbeville Opera House is now the home of the Abbeville Community Theater, which produced eight major shows during its first 1968-69 season in the building. Ranging from Shakespeare's "King Lear" to "Sound of Music," the year's roster included two productions from nearby colleges: Lander College in Greenwood and Erskine College in Due West. This indicates its district importance. The newly renovated facilities also enabled the Community Theater to host the American Community Theater Association Festival for the 10 Southeastern States in 1969. The American College Theater, also representing 10 southeastern states, will hold its Drama Festival there in January 1971.
The location of the Opera House on the Town's historic Court Square further solidifies its importance as part of Abbeville's heritage.
Art; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
South Carolina is home to several historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Claflin University, Benedict College, and South Carolina State University. These institutions played a key role in educating African Americans in the state during the era of segregation.
About Abbeville County
Abbeville County Timeline
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.
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.
Abbeville County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.