Burt, Armistead, House
a.k.a. The Burt (Stark) House
306 N. Main St., Abbeville, SCThe Burt House has its chief historic significance as the location of Jefferson Davis's last Council of War.
Here, at the home of his personal friend, Major Armistead Burt, President Davis and his official company stopped overnight, May 2, 1865. The stop was one of many made by the evacuating Confederate government following General Lee's withdrawal from Petersburg, Virginia, and the ensuing Confederate surrender at Appomattox, on April 9, 1865. Accompanying Davis from Richmond were members of the Confederate cabinet, his personal staff, and departmental attaches. They were attended by Confederate Cavalry.
By the time the party reached Abbeville, two of the Cabinet had resigned, the military situation appeared hopeless, and the hope of President Davis to reach Mississippi and re-vitalize Confederate forces appeared equally hopeless.
Attending the Burt House Council of War, in addition to the one cabinet officer not serving as a general, were President Davis, Gen. Ferguson of Mississippi, Generals Dibrell and Vaughan of Tennessee, Col. W.C.P. Breckinridge and Gen. Basil Duke of Kentucky, Gen. John C. Breckinridge, cavalry commander, and Geri. Bragg, senior General of the Army (Lee, Johnston, and Beauregard having surrendered).
Here was made the decision to "abandon all hope of effecting any other purpose than Mr. Davis's escape to the west."
It was this final meeting of Confederate leaders that gives substance to Abbeville's claim of being the "Grave of the Confederacy" as well as its "Birthplace" (because of its historic Secession Hill site). As the setting for the final Council of War, the Burt House itself has become a historic landmark.
The Burt House is also considered extremely valuable as an example of antebellum mansion architecture and atmosphere. Both it's exterior and interior appearance typifies the period known popularly as the "old South."
Built by Armistead Burt, following his move from Pendleton to Abbeville and his marriage to Martha Calhoun - both in 1828, the house has remained in the same family ever since. The present owner and occupant is Burt's great-great niece, Mrs. Mary Stark Davis. Burt himself was a distinguished Abbeville lawyer who served in both the United States and Confederate Congresses.
It is especially important that the house achieve National Register status at this time since Mrs. Davis plans a bequest that, at her death, the house and all its furnishings shall become the property of the Abbeville County Historic Preservation Commission. The property must be maintained as a historic house and may be used as the Commission deems best.
The Burt House is already a historic shrine, its importance increased by its location in South Carolina's importantly historic Abbeville district, and in Abbeville town, a spot of great charm that retains a number of other important historic landmarks.
Local significance of the building:
Here, at the home of his personal friend, Major Armistead Burt, President Davis and his official company stopped overnight, May 2, 1865. The stop was one of many made by the evacuating Confederate government following General Lee's withdrawal from Petersburg, Virginia, and the ensuing Confederate surrender at Appomattox, on April 9, 1865. Accompanying Davis from Richmond were members of the Confederate cabinet, his personal staff, and departmental attaches. They were attended by Confederate Cavalry.
By the time the party reached Abbeville, two of the Cabinet had resigned, the military situation appeared hopeless, and the hope of President Davis to reach Mississippi and re-vitalize Confederate forces appeared equally hopeless.
Attending the Burt House Council of War, in addition to the one cabinet officer not serving as a general, were President Davis, Gen. Ferguson of Mississippi, Generals Dibrell and Vaughan of Tennessee, Col. W.C.P. Breckinridge and Gen. Basil Duke of Kentucky, Gen. John C. Breckinridge, cavalry commander, and Geri. Bragg, senior General of the Army (Lee, Johnston, and Beauregard having surrendered).
Here was made the decision to "abandon all hope of effecting any other purpose than Mr. Davis's escape to the west."
It was this final meeting of Confederate leaders that gives substance to Abbeville's claim of being the "Grave of the Confederacy" as well as its "Birthplace" (because of its historic Secession Hill site). As the setting for the final Council of War, the Burt House itself has become a historic landmark.
The Burt House is also considered extremely valuable as an example of antebellum mansion architecture and atmosphere. Both it's exterior and interior appearance typifies the period known popularly as the "old South."
Built by Armistead Burt, following his move from Pendleton to Abbeville and his marriage to Martha Calhoun - both in 1828, the house has remained in the same family ever since. The present owner and occupant is Burt's great-great niece, Mrs. Mary Stark Davis. Burt himself was a distinguished Abbeville lawyer who served in both the United States and Confederate Congresses.
It is especially important that the house achieve National Register status at this time since Mrs. Davis plans a bequest that, at her death, the house and all its furnishings shall become the property of the Abbeville County Historic Preservation Commission. The property must be maintained as a historic house and may be used as the Commission deems best.
The Burt House is already a historic shrine, its importance increased by its location in South Carolina's importantly historic Abbeville district, and in Abbeville town, a spot of great charm that retains a number of other important historic landmarks.
Military; Landscape Architecture; Social History; Architecture; Politics/government
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.
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The H.L. Hunley, a Confederate submarine that was the first submarine to sink an enemy warship in combat, was built in South Carolina. The Hunley sank the Union ship USS Housatonic in Charleston Harbor in 1864, but the submarine itself was lost at sea shortly after the attack.
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.