Abbeville is a quaint small town in the upstate area of the state. Settled in 1758 and officially incorporated in 1832, its population totaled 4,802 residents as of 2020. It has the feel of Charleston, just on a much smaller scale. There are many historical landmarks in Abbeville to enjoy and explore.

In downtown Abbeville, you will find boutiques, restaurants, and charming 19th-century homes in addition to some of the area's historical landmarks.

1. Court Square

The heart of Abbeville’s Historic District is the magnificent, tree-shaded Court Square, which is itself one of the town’s historic landmarks and where some of the others are located.

2. The Burt-Stark House

Built in the 1830s in the Greek Revival style, The Burt-Stark Mansion is considered the architectural jewel of the town and is located at 400 North Main Street. It was here where the War between the States finally came to an end when Confederate President Jefferson Davis was convinced by his generals and cabinet that Southern resources were exhausted, and he determined that further attempts to fight would result in more harm than good. He conceded here at this site, "All is indeed lost." Visit the Burt-Stark Mansion website for more information.

3. McGowan-Bundy-Barksdale House

Located at 305 North Main Street, this was the home of Gen. Samuel McGowan from the time it was built until his death. He was a Confederate General who commanded the 14th S.C. Infantry from 1862-63 and a S.C. brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia from 1863-65 during the Civil War.

In 1905, the Barksdale family bought the house, and WWII Gen. W.E. Barksdale was the last to live here. His nephew J.D. Bundy gave it to the Abbeville County Historical Society in 1989 for use as its headquarters.

4. Henry McNeal Turner

At the intersection of Henry M. Turner Street and Secession Avenue, a bicentennial marker was placed in memory of Henry McNeal Turner, who was a missionary pioneer to South Africa, a liberation theologian, social and political activist, the first black United States military chaplain, and a consecrated Twelfth Bishop for the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1880. He was actually born in Newberry but grew up in Abbeville.

5. Trinity Episcopal Church

The oldest standing church in Abbeville, Trinity Episcopal Church was built from 1859-60 as preparations for war were being made. Its classic Gothic architecture and 125-foot steeple give it a commanding presence. The church still retains many of its original elements, including the organ, built in 1860 by John Baker of Charleston, and the bell in the tower, having survived Confederate requests to be melted down into cannon balls.

6. Abbeville County Courthouse

Located on South Main Street in Court Square, the County Courthouse was dedicated in 1908. It is Abbeville’s sixth courthouse, designed in beaux arts classical style by Edwards & Walter of Atlanta.

Interestingly, two of the prior structures had to be replaced due to deficiencies. The second building involved a case of workmen’s fraud, where it was found that kaolin had been used instead of lime in mortar. The third structure was found to have a sinking corner and was deemed unsafe because of cracks in the wall.

7. The Belmont Inn

Originally known in 1903 as "The Eureka," this hotel is located on East Pickens Street just off Court Square. It was initially built to cater to "drummers" of the textile trade and had 30 rooms and a public bathroom. Banquet rooms were used to show their wares, and Curtain Call Lounge served as a barbershop. Touring theatre companies performing at the Opera House also stayed there during railway stopovers in the town. It was restored after closing for a period in the early 1970s and reopened in 1984 as "Belmont Inn," a full-service hotel with 25 rooms.

8. Abbeville Opera House

Designated "State Rural Drama Theatre of South Carolina" in 2002, the Opera House is located on South Main Street and has a fascinating history. With a massive 7,500 square-foot stage, many well-known artists have appeared in 250 live performances staged by traveling companies.

Types of performances vary, including dramas, minstrel shows, and vaudeville. In 1910, "moving pictures" were played weekly as well. Live theatre ended when "talkies" arrived in the late 1920s. The Opera House closed its doors in the early 1960s and was fully restored in 1968 by Abbeville Community Theatre, which brought live performances back year-round again.

9. The Livery Stable

The original livery stable on this site was destroyed during a fire in 1872 that ravaged much of Abbeville’s downtown. It was a wooden structure, believed to have been built in the 1840s.

The current brick and masonry structure was built in the late 1870s. The building was used as a warehouse for a number of decades after automobiles entered the scene. In 2002, the building was generously donated by Mrs. Margaret Flynn Bowie and the W.G. Bowie Trust to the City of Abbeville.

In 2010, it was renovated as a part of the Trinity Street Enhancement Project and is now used as a Special Event Venue.

These landmarks barely scratch the surface of all those available to explore in this charming small town of Abbeville. Visit the Abbeville County Historical Society website for much more information and a complete list.

Which type of historical marker is your favorite? Please tell us in the comments below!