Abbeville Historic District (Boundary Increase)
a.k.a. See Also:Abbeville Historic District;Abbeville Historic Dist
Roughly W along N. Main St. from Haigler to Livingston Sts., N along Greenville St., and NE on Marshall Ct., Abbeville, SCThe Abbeville Historic District is comprised of a large portion of the city of Abbeville, the county seat of Abbeville County, South Carolina. The focal point of the district is Court Square, on which are located the County Courthouse, Municipal Building, and a well-preserved collection of late nineteenth-century commercial buildings. The district also includes the older residential sections of the city, several of the city's early churches, two school buildings, and three buildings associated with the city's railroad history. Of the 528 properties in the district, 319 are considered to contribute to its historical character. The city o Abbeville was formed in the late eighteenth century; however, most of the properties included in the district reflect the city's history throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. As a result, the buildings display a wide variety of architectural styles. In addition, the district reflects the city's role as a commercial center for the surrounding county. The city is also noted for its role in the political and governmental development of the area. Several residences important for their association with persons or events of historical significance are located within the boundaries of the district.
What is today the city of Abbeville grew up around the home and blockhouse, or fort, of Andrew Pickens, which was located to the east of the designated historic district. The sole tangible remnant of Pickens's occupancy is the Town Spring, which he is said to have set aside for public use. It is not known when the settlement developed into a village, but the Quay-Wardlaw House is known to have been built during the last quarter of the eighteenth century, along with several other residences and public buildings no longer standing. A post office was established in 1795.
Abbeville County was formed in 1785 when the Ninety Six Judicial District was subdivided into smaller governmental units. The town of Ninety-Six (later Cambridge) continued to serve as the district capital, but the centrally-located village of Abbeville became the county seat. Dissatisfaction with the county court system caused the legislature to revise the Act of 1785, and in 1800 a new system of districts came into being. The county then became known as the Abbeville District, with the town of Abbeville as its judicial center.
Local significance of the district:
What is today the city of Abbeville grew up around the home and blockhouse, or fort, of Andrew Pickens, which was located to the east of the designated historic district. The sole tangible remnant of Pickens's occupancy is the Town Spring, which he is said to have set aside for public use. It is not known when the settlement developed into a village, but the Quay-Wardlaw House is known to have been built during the last quarter of the eighteenth century, along with several other residences and public buildings no longer standing. A post office was established in 1795.
Abbeville County was formed in 1785 when the Ninety Six Judicial District was subdivided into smaller governmental units. The town of Ninety-Six (later Cambridge) continued to serve as the district capital, but the centrally-located village of Abbeville became the county seat. Dissatisfaction with the county court system caused the legislature to revise the Act of 1785, and in 1800 a new system of districts came into being. The county then became known as the Abbeville District, with the town of Abbeville as its judicial center.
Commerce; Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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 was one of the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. However, it was also the first state to secede from the United States in 1860, which ultimately led to the Civil War.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.